Mon Apr 21 13:07:53 UTC 2025: **Cardinal Cleemis Pays Tribute to Pope Francis: A Man of Humility and Compassion**
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, April 21, 2025 – Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malankara Catholic Church, delivered a heartfelt eulogy for Pope Francis, describing him as a symbol of humility, compassion, and courage for the world. Speaking to the media on Monday, Cardinal Cleemis emphasized the late Pope’s profound impact on marginalized communities, stating that Francis was “a leader for all humanity,” focusing on those often overlooked by society.
The Cardinal recounted personal anecdotes from his friendship with Pope Francis, which began during the 2013 conclave. He highlighted the Pope’s simple nature, exemplified by his habit of personally escorting visitors to elevators and his decision to forgo visits to his native Argentina since assuming the papacy. Cardinal Cleemis interpreted this selflessness as a testament to Francis’s spiritual strength and detachment.
He also noted Pope Francis’s genuine admiration for Indian culture and values, describing their conversations as insightful and respectful. The Cardinal’s tribute paints a picture of a spiritual leader whose life transcended the boundaries of religious leadership, leaving a lasting legacy of compassion and humility.
First Piper 