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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Indian-origin techie among 3 killed in tragic climbing accident in US
New York, May 15 (PTI): Indian-origin techie Vishnu Irigireddy was among the three persons killed in a tragic climbing accident in Washington state's North Cascades Range of western North America.
Vishnu, 48, a resident of Seattle, was attempting to climb North Early Winters Spire area of the Cascades along with his three friends, Tim Nguyen, 63, Oleksander Martynenko, 36 and Anton Tselykh, 38, on Saturday when the accident happened, NBC News reported.
The group noticed a storm coming and started to retreat when at some point during their descent, the team’s anchor point failed and sent the group plunging 200 feet down, Climbing website reported.
Tselykh, the sole surviving climber, miraculously survived the dangerous fall and drove 64 kilometres to inform the authorities about the accident that killed his three friends.
Vishnu’s friends and family describe him as an experienced climber “who found joy and purpose in nature.”
“Originally from India and a proud member of Seattle’s vibrant tech and cultural community, Vishnu built a life that reflected his values—integrity, compassion, and a relentless pursuit of growth,” a note by family and friends on remembr.com website said.
According to a notice for his cremation ceremony, to be held on Thursday, his friends and family would be making donations to two non-profits to honour Vishnu, who they said had “developed an intense passion for mountaineering and climbing throughout his life.” They also made an appeal to others to donate to those charitable organisations till May 22.
Vishnu was working as Vice President of Engineering at Fluke Corporation, a test equipment manufacturing company in the Greater Seattle Area.
His company described him as an extraordinary leader in a statement released after his death adding that his loss “felt profoundly” across the organisation.
Tselykh is currently in hospital and is being treated for internal bleeding and a traumatic brain injury.
North Early Winters Spire, a granite peak in the Liberty Bell group of the North Cascades, is popular among experienced climbers.
