September 23, 2025

On April 30, 2025, a heartfelt tribute was paid to Pope Francis by the Jesuit Chennai Province, Loyola Institutions, and the Tamil Nadu Conference of Religious of India (TNCRI) at Arrupe Auditorium, LIBA, following his passing on April 26.

The tribute began with a solemn Eucharist presided over by Fr. Jebamalai Irudayaraj, with Fr. Joseph Antony Jacob offering a moving homily on the Pope’s prophetic legacy. Dignitaries including Hon. Chief Minister Thiru. M. K. Stalin, ministers, MPs, MLAs, and religious leaders paid floral tribute and shared reflections. The Chief Minister praised Pope Francis as a global model of humility, compassion, and care for the poor and the earth.

The programme, led by Fr. Sahayaraj Vijayan, brought together hundreds of religious, collaborators, and lay leaders, celebrating the life of a Man of God – Fully Human, Fully Divine.