Nuncio Leopoldo Girelli Presides Over Thanksgiving Mass for Pope Leo XIV in New Delhi

New Delhi, June 2, 2025: The Archdiocese of Delhi hosted a solemn Eucharistic celebration on Sunday, June 1, to thank God for the gift of the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, who recently assumed office. The Mass, held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in New Delhi, was presided over by His Excellency Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal. Archbishop of Delhi, Bp. Anil Couto, Bishops Deepak Tauro and Ignatius Mascarenhas, along with several other priests, concelebrated the liturgy. The event drew the participation of clergy, religious, laity, and dignitaries, including His Excellency Javier Manuel Paulinich Velarde, Ambassador of Peru to India.

In his opening address, Archbishop Girelli explained that the Eucharist was being offered in thanksgiving for the new pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, and to invoke God’s blessings on him and his Petrine ministry. Describing the Pope as “an American by birth, Augustinian by vocation, and Peruvian by mission”, the Nuncio reminded the faithful about the gift of peace – a virtue that Pope Leo XIV emphasised in his first greeting after being elected as pontiff.

“Fidelity and unity are divine gifts, and we are challenged to embrace and promote them,” Archbishop Girelli stated. “Today’s fractured world needs bridge builders, and Pope Leo, as he himself strives, invites us to work for fraternity and harmony.”

Turning his focus to India, Archbishop Girelli highlighted the need for all the faithful to cultivate the values of the Kingdom of God and to find creative ways to promote human dignity and human rights. "Embodying the missionary spirit and becoming joyful Witnesses of the Gospel, we need to recognise diversity and plurality as God’s precious gifts to our country, India,” he said.

The celebration concluded with prayers for Pope Leo XIV, the Church in India, and the global community.

By Fr. Stanislaus Alla SJ