With heavy hearts the world bids an emotional and teary-eyed farewell to one of the most noble souls, a beacon of humility and compassion, and a spiritual guide for millions. His Holiness Pope Francis, the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, is leaving behind an unmatched legacy that transcends religious boundaries, one of pure love, peace, compassion and relentless advocacy for the marginalized.

He was truly a man of the people—humble, approachable, and deeply committed to social justice.

I still so vividly recollect my blessed interaction with him on 11th September 2023 at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican. It was indeed one of the most blessed days of my life to have been honoured with the rare privilege to accompany His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, Catholicos of the East and Malankara Metropolitan (the Supreme Head of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church of India)

In fact, I had also got the opportunity to personally spend few moments with His Holiness Pope Francis showing him the photographs of my father Late M G George Muthoot’s close & warm interaction with him exactly 10 years ago in September 2013, exactly at the same place and same room of the Apostolic Palace.

This was a very special moment of my life and indeed a cherished one forever.

One and a half years later, today, as we all mourn the passing away of Pope Francis, fond memories of my special moments with him, getting his blessings in person, seeing his warm smile, listening to his sweet words of affection and admiring his pearls of wisdom all flash through my mind just as if it was just yesterday.

Today, as His Holiness Pope Francis has left this mortal world, I feel even more privileged and grateful to God for giving me such a golden opportunity back then, which is not only precious and priceless but also and truly invaluable.

On behalf of the entire Muthoot Family and the entire The Muthoot Group and its 40,000+ dedicated staff members, I express our collective and sincerest condolences and pray to God Almighty to continue to bless our beloved Pope Francis.

His warmth, his smile, and his capacity to listen to the voices of the oppressed made him a beloved figure to many, both inside and outside the Church.

Though his passing leaves a profound silence, his teachings will continue to reverberate in our hearts and minds, who not only loved him but also took inspiration from his life.

Rest in eternal peace, Pope Francis. May your soul find rest in the embrace of the Creator you so faithfully served. Your legacy will continue to light the path for future generations.