Bangladesh faith communities pay tribute to late Pope Francis

A solemn interfaith prayer and memorial service was held at the Ramna Archdiocesan Centre to honor the legacy of the late Pope Francis, bringing together Christian leaders and believers from a broad spectrum of denominations in Bangladesh on May 15.

Organized by the Dialogue Commission of the Archdiocese of Dhaka, the service gathered around 82 participants, including leaders from approximately 20 Christian traditions. Among them were two bishops, 21 pastors and ministers, and 28 lay Christian faithful.

A cardinal, an archbishop, bishops, priests, religious sisters, seminarians, and laypersons, totaling 31 participants, strongly represented the Catholic community.

The service opened with a heartfelt invocation led by Methodist Bishop Simon Biswas, who prayed that the values and memory of Pope Francis might be reflected in the lives and actions of those present.

Speakers from various Christian traditions shared reflections on Pope Francis’ influence as a spiritual leader, global peacemaker, and advocate for unity and the environment.

Christopher Adhikari, president of the National Christian Council of Bangladesh (NCCB), remarked on the profound grief felt worldwide at Francis' passing.

“His death, coming just after Easter, was mourned not only by Catholics but by Christians of all traditions and even people of other faiths. He truly touched hearts around the world,” Adhikari said.

Holy Cross Cardinal Patrick D’Rozario emphasized the Pope’s efforts to bring reform and inclusivity to the Church. “He moved beyond conventional approaches, especially in fostering interreligious and interdenominational dialogue. He championed a culture of encounter,” the cardinal reflected.

Rev. Martha Das, secretary general of the National Council for Christian Fellowship of Bangladesh (NCFB), recalled her involvement in welcoming Pope Francis during his 2017 visit to Bangladesh.

“In preparing for his visit, I saw how deeply people rejoiced. His humility and compassion resonated with influential leaders and everyday people alike,” she said.

Bishop Paul Shishir Sarker, retired from the Church of Bangladesh, highlighted Francis' landmark encyclicals Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti, which stress the interconnectedness of humanity and care for the planet.

“His messages — that the Earth is our common home and that we are all brothers and sisters — speak directly to our collective responsibility,” he noted.

Oblate Archbishop Bejoy N. D’Cruze of Dhaka offered a personal tribute, recalling Pope Francis’ simple and humble lifestyle as a model of servant leadership. “He taught us that greatness lies in simplicity,” said the archbishop.

Auxiliary Bishop Subroto B. Gomes of Dhaka provided a brief explanation of the papal election process, noting that cardinals under 80 years of age are eligible to vote and be elected and that the process is grounded in prayer and spiritual discernment.

“It is not about popularity but about recognizing whom the Holy Spirit has chosen,” he said.

Archbishop D’Cruze of Dhaka echoed this sentiment, underscoring the spiritual depth of the election process: “It is a sacred journey of discernment, not a political contest.”

The service concluded with a united recitation of the Nicene Creed, led by Cardinal D’Rozario, as attendees stood together in a symbol of shared faith and respect for the late pontiff.

The memorial was not only a tribute to a global religious leader but also a rare moment of visible Christian unity in Bangladesh, reflecting Pope Francis' lifelong commitment to dialogue, peace, and solidarity.