New Delhi: Today marks 60 years since Pope Paul VI's landmark visit to India, an event that left a lasting impression on the nation and its Catholic community. The Pope traveled to Mumbai to participate in the 38th International Eucharistic Congress held from December 2 to 5, 1964.
Responding to Cardinal Valerian Gracias' invitation, Pope Paul VI declared his intention to visit, saying, “If it is God's will, I will come to India too. I will come.” He arrived at Mumbai's Santa Cruz Airport to a warm reception from Vice President Dr. Zakir Hussain, Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, Maharashtra Governor Dr. P.V. Cherian, Chief Minister V.P. Naik, and Indira Gandhi Vijayalakshmi Pandit.
As a gesture of solidarity during a time of severe food shortages, Pope Paul VI donated $50,000 to President Dr. S. Radhakrishnan for relief efforts. Additionally, he gifted a cherished casa, reflecting his personal connection to the occasion.
Dubbed the “Pilgrim Pope,” Paul VI was the first pontiff to travel across all six continents. His visit to India was marked by profound acts of humility and compassion. Peter Hebblethwaite, in his biography Paul VI, recounts the Pope kneeling to offer Holy Communion to an orphan and embracing another orphan with visible emotion.
Pope Paul VI's deep respect for India's spiritual heritage was evident when he recited the prayer, “Lead us from falsehood to truth, from darkness to light, from death to immortality, and may there be peace for all.” This gesture highlighted his commitment to fostering mutual understanding across religious traditions.
At the time, Christians made up a small minority in India. The Eucharistic Congress, the first held in the country, sought to affirm the real presence of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. Out of a population of 500 million, only 2.4 million were Catholics.
As the Church marks this significant anniversary, the faithful are encouraged to reflect on the legacy of Pope Saint Paul VI and his enduring message of unity, compassion, and reverence for the Holy Eucharist.