Archdiocese of Bangalore mourns the passing of Pope Francis
Bengaluru: The Archdiocese of Bangalore has issued an official statement following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away earlier this morning.
The statement, signed by Archbishop Peter Machado, begins: “It is with deep anguish and heavy hearts that we, the faithful of the Archdiocese of Bangalore, join the Universal Church in mourning the sudden and untimely demise of our beloved Holy Father, Pope Francis, who passed away this morning.”
The Archbishop described the Pope as “not just the Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church, but a shepherd, a father, a friend of the poor, and a living embodiment of the Gospel.” The statement continues: “His Papacy [was] marked not by grandeur, but by grace — a grace that reached out to the peripheries of the world.”
Highlighting Pope Francis’ personal lifestyle choices, the statement says: “In his humility, he chose not to reside in the traditional Apostolic Palace, but in the modest Vatican guest house — a choice that echoed the Gospel call to simplicity and solidarity.”
The Archdiocese noted his focus on the marginalized: “One of the most striking hallmarks of Pope Francis’ pontificate was his tireless advocacy for migrants, refugees, and the displaced. He dared the world to see in the face of the migrant not a problem to be solved, but a brother or sister to be embraced.”
Reflecting on his broader legacy, the statement says: “Today, our hearts are broken, but our spirits are lifted in gratitude for the gift of Pope Francis. His gentle presence, his wise counsel, and his radiant smile will live on in the hearts of millions.”
The Archbishop offered condolences on behalf of the local Church: “On behalf of the clergy, religious and faithful of the Archdiocese of Bangalore, I extend my deepest condolences to the College of Cardinals, to the entire Catholic Church, and to all people of goodwill who saw in Pope Francis a beacon of light in troubled times.”
The statement concludes: “May our dear Holy Father now rest in the eternal embrace of the God he served so faithfully. Let us continue to honour his legacy by walking humbly, loving tenderly, and acting justly — just as he did. Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.”
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Karnataka, France explore deeper ties in AI, aerospace, defence manufacturing
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government and France on Tuesday discussed expanding collaboration to strengthen technology infrastructure and development, artificial intelligence, and defence manufacturing.
Karnataka Information Technology and Biotechnology Minister Priyank Kharge met Anne Le Hénaff, Minister Delegate for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs, Government of France, in Bengaluru.
The meeting focused on expanding collaboration in innovation, skilling, AI, aerospace and defence manufacturing, startup ecosystems and digital governance, with both sides expressing strong interest in building long-term, structured partnerships between Karnataka and France, according to a statement issued by Kharge’s office.
France highlighted its growing need for skilled engineers and technology professionals and expressed interest in partnering with Karnataka on structured talent development and skilling in emerging technologies, the statement said.
“The discussions built on the strong foundation of Indo-French collaboration in areas such as aerospace, animation and emerging technologies, including earlier engagements through Centres of Excellence, academic partnerships and startup exchange programmes,” it said.
The two sides also reviewed ongoing engagement with French innovation ecosystems and institutions, including incubation and innovation platforms in Paris.
Kharge outlined Karnataka’s vision to create dedicated innovation, skills and manufacturing corridors with global partners, particularly in the context of the Indo-French Year of Innovation.
He highlighted the state’s proposal to strengthen engagement through the Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) and to establish a physical institutional platform in Karnataka to support French startups, SMEs and MSMEs seeking market access, R&D collaboration and a long-term presence in India.
“A couple of areas where we can move quickly and decisively are skills, innovation and advanced manufacturing. We can work towards a skills corridor focused on emerging technologies, an innovation corridor linking our Centres of Excellence, incubators and research institutions, and a stronger partnership in aerospace and defence supply chains,” Kharge said.
“Bengaluru can be a gateway for French companies entering India, and Paris can be a gateway for our startups entering France and the European Union,” he added.
Hénaff said France’s approach to AI is guided by three priorities: building sustainable AI, ensuring AI serves the public interest, and strengthening the protection of children in the digital world.
“As we deepen our cooperation with Karnataka, we see strong opportunities to work together on responsible, trustworthy and inclusive AI by combining innovation, regulation and public policy to ensure technology benefits society while safeguarding our values,” she said.
