Aleteia logoAleteia logoAleteia
Thursday 28 March |
Holy Thursday of the Supper of the Lord
Aleteia logo
Church
separateurCreated with Sketch.

Pope Francis’ trip to India could be delayed until 2018

Pope Francis during the press conference on the papal flight – CPP – fr

© ServizioFotograficoOR/CPP

I.Media - published on 07/24/17

Time running out for a visit this year, even though Francis was hoping for one

Please consider a gift for Aleteia!
Help us spread the joy of Christ's victory.
Aleteia depends on your support.

Join our Lenten Campaign 2024.

DONATE NOW

Pope Francis’ voyage to India may not take place until 2018, reported the journal L’orient-Le jour last week. The trip had been announced by Pope Francis as “practically certain” for 2017. He said this November 1, during an airplane flight back from Sweden.

The Lebanese French-language publication based its report on declarations to the AFP news agency by a “high-ranking member of the Indian clergy,” who wished to remain anonymous. According to this source, the visit is “unlikely” to take place this year because “there is not much time left” to prepare a trip for 2017. Reportedly, this postponement is due to difficulties related to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s agenda.

On July 13, the Matters India site already mentioned an eventual postponement of the Pontiff’s voyage. “We are still hopeful that the visit will take place at least early next year, if not earlier,” declared Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, secretary general of the Catholic bishops’ conference of India.

Last February 18, he had expressed concern that his country’s government had not yet sent an official invitation to the Pope.

During this trip, Peter’s Successor is also expected to travel to neighboring Bangladesh.

The last visit of a Bishop of Rome to India dates back to 1999, under the pontificate of John Paul II. XLN

© 2017 I.MEDIA

Tags:
Pope Francis
Support Aleteia!

Enjoying your time on Aleteia?

Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you.

Thanks to their partnership in our mission, we reach more than 20 million unique users per month!

Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting and transformative Catholic news, stories, spirituality, and more.

Support Aleteia with a gift today!

jour1_V2.gif
Daily prayer
And today we celebrate...




Top 10
See More
Newsletter
Get Aleteia delivered to your inbox. Subscribe here.