CUTTACK-BHUBANESWAR (UCAN): Pope Francis called the Catholic Church in India a “beacon of hope,” in a message to the 36th Plenary Assembly of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India [CCBI], the bishops’ conference reported on January 28.
The pope urged Indian bishops to prioritise the poor and the vulnerable in their ministry while encouraging them to open wide the doors of the Church.
The five-day assembly, themed “Discerning Synodal Pathways for Mission,” began on January 28 at XIM University in the Diocese of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar in Odisha state. At least 204 bishops from India’s Latin rite are attending.
The bishops will review biennial reports from 16 commissions, six departments, four apostolates, and 14 regional bishops councils, providing a comprehensive overview of the CCBI’s work. They will also elect new office bearers for the episcopal conference.
In his message—read out by Archbishop George Antonysamy, the vice president of the CCBI—the pope expressed his prayerful support for the bishops’ deliberations during the meeting.
“I pray that your deliberations may assist the local Churches in discerning how best to implement the fruits of the synodal path and inspire many more of the faithful in their vocation to be missionary disciples,” Pope Francis said.
I pray that your deliberations may assist the local Churches in discerning how best to implement the fruits of the synodal path and inspire many more of the faithful in their vocation to be missionary disciples
Pope Francis
Referring to the Jubilee Year 2025, the pope also emphasised the role of the Indian Catholic Church as a beacon of hope.
“He [God] trusts that, in this Jubilee Year, the Church in India will continue to be a sign of hope to the entire nation,” he said.
By “always seeking to open wide its doors to welcome the poor and most vulnerable, so that all may have the hope of a better future,” the Church in India will be a beacon of hope Pope Francis added.
Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, apostolic nuncio to India and Nepal, presided over the inaugural Holy Mass to mark the commencement of the plenary assembly.
Archbishop John Barwa of Cuttack–Bhubaneshwar welcomed the bishops and dignitaries to Odisha, describing it as a “land of vibrant tribal cultures.”
In his address, Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, the president of the CCBI and the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, highlighted the growing challenges to Christians and religious freedom in India.
In his address, Filipe Neri Cardinal Ferrão, the president of the CCBI and the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, highlighted the growing challenges to Christians and religious freedom in India
“India faces significant challenges,” Cardinal Ferrão said while noting the enactment of anti-conversion laws in 18 states and an increasing number of reported incidents of violence against Christians.
India has seen a spike in accusations, arrests, and convictions of Christians for allegedly trumped-up religious conversion charges in recent years.
The cardinal called for solidarity, prayer, and concerted action to uphold the dignity and freedom of the Church.
“Despite the adversities, the Church in India remains vibrant and steadfast,” he said.
Archbishop Anil Couto, secretary general of the CCBI, presented the annual report, while Father Antony Uvari, vice chancellor of XIM University, delivered the felicitation message.
The assembly welcomed the newly appointed bishops and observed a prayerful silence for the conference’s departed members.
Representing 132 dioceses, the CCBI is Asia’s largest national episcopal conference and the fourth largest globally.
