Last Updated:
PM Modi was addressing the Christmas event hosted by Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) at the CBCI Centre premises in New Delhi.
PM Modi at Christmas celebrations hosted by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI). (Image: X/@narendramodi)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday condemned attempts to incite violence in the society while emphasizing that teaching of Jesus Christ celebrate love, harmony and brotherhood.
While addressing the Christmas event hosted by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) at the CBCI Centre premises in New Delhi, PM Modi vowed to work together to follow the teaching of Jesus and make this spirit stronger.
PM Modi also condemned the last week’s terror attack in Germany’s Magdeburg Christmas Market when an SUV smashed through a crowd killing four women and a nine-year-old child and injuring 205 people. Seven Indians were injured in this attack.
He further emphasised on giving importance to human interest and not just national interest. He said that India prioritises both national interest and human interest in its foreign policy. “India even moved beyond its capabilities to help poor countries during Covid pandemic and provided medicines to over 150 nations,” he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the evacuation of Indians stranded in war-torn nations, saying that no matter where they are or what crisis they face, today’s India sees it as its duty to bring its citizens to safety.
“We brought back our nurses who got stuck in the Gulf countries. It was a very satisfactory moment for me when we safely brought Father Alexis Prem Kumar from war-torn Afghanistan, a decade back. He was stuck there for 8 months and was in hostage… For us, all these missions are not mere diplomatic missions but an emotional commitment to bring back family members,” he said.
#WATCH | Delhi | At the Christmas Celebrations event hosted by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), PM Modi says, “…It was a very satisfactory moment for me when we safely brought Father Alexis Prem Kumar from war-torn Afghanistan, a decade back. He was stuck there… pic.twitter.com/LU4K9p6RPd— ANI (@ANI) December 23, 2024
“The Bible says – bear each other’s burdens. Our institutions and organisations work with this motto. Jesus Christ showed the world the path of compassion and selfless service… Today, the country is moving ahead with the common goal of ‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Prayas’… We have made sensitivity one of the parameters of work…” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister further expressed pride on George Koovakad’s elevation as a Cardinal of the Holy Roman Catholic Church.
“It is a moment of pride that His Holiness Pope Francis has made His Eminence George Koovakad a Cardinal of the Holy Roman Catholic Church,” he said.
Koovakad is one of the 21 priests elevated to the rank of cardinal in a special announcement by Pope Francis on October 6. Previously, Koovakad, who held the title of Monsignor, was declared the Titular Archbishop of Nisibis in Turkey. He is currently based in the Vatican.
The PM further said that he has invited Pope Francis to visit India.
“This occasion is going to be memorable as the CBCI is going to celebrate its 80th anniversary. I congratulate all related to CBCI… I am fortunate that I have always received affection from you. I also receive the same affection from Pope Francis. During the G7 meet in Italy, I met him – it was my 2nd meeting with him in three years. I invited him to visit India…” he said.
PM Modi also interacted with key leaders from the Christian community, including Cardinals, Bishops and prominent lay leaders of the Church. This is the first time that a Prime Minister attended an event at the Headquarters of the Catholic Church in India.
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) was established in 1944 and is the body which works closest with all the Catholics across India.
Last week, PM Modi attended a Christmas celebration at Union Minister George Kurian’s residence in Delhi, where he interacted with the members of the Christian community.
Sharing pictures from the event, PM Modi on his X handle, wrote, “Attended the Christmas celebrations at the residence of Union Minister Shri George Kurian Ji. Also interacted with eminent members of the Christian community.”
Christmas is annually observed to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Celebrated on December 25, it serves as both a religious and cultural event marked by billions around the world.
