'Pope loved India and its culture'

MUMBAI: Pope John Paul II, who headed the catholic church for more than a quarter of a century, loved India very much and prevailed upon the church to incorporate "favourable" influences of Eastern religions like Hinduism and Buddhism, the Catholic Secular Forum (CSF) said on Sunday.
Pope John Paul II, who died late on Saturday night, also gave India three newly appointed cardinals, who would now take part in the election of his successor, CSF general secretary Joseph Dias said.
Pope''s most important contribution was that he "could truly implement the decisions of the ''Second Vatican Council'' in letter and spirit.
These decisions at times have been controversial but he maintained the required balance, he said.
"He also did not discriminate between Catholics and others and urged unity and sharing with those of other religions and even among the Christian denominations or Catholic rites, including Russian Orthodox Church," Dias said.
He also displayed a clear option for social justice, spoke in favour of women and life, in his missions and authored documents earning him the title of the most widely travelled pilgrim Pope.
The Mumbai Catholic Sabha president Dolphy D''souza said the Pope was the beacon of light and hope.
His special concern was evident when it came to poor and downtrodden in India. He took up issues close to India at the international platform.
He particularly spoke of India as a country where the Christian faith was much stronger as compared to the west.
The Pope''s human face was visible when he raised his voice for the poor and the marginalised in the sub-continent, he said.