Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently spoke fondly of Pope Francis, who passed away, stating that the late Pope “always inspires me.” This comment came during an event in Kerala.
In Kerala, many Christians believe they were among the first outside the Holy Land to hear the gospel, thanks to St. Thomas’s visit to the region.
Modi highlighted this historical significance during a larger speech at a port opening, praising Kerala for its “harmony and tolerance.” However, this stands in stark contrast to the violence that Christians in India often experience, particularly from Hindu nationalist supporters of Modi who frequently dismiss religious freedoms. Experts frequently point to ongoing incidents of mob violence against Christians that the Modi government seems reluctant to address.
Even though he rarely takes concrete steps to protect Christians in India, Modi maintains a narrative of supporting religious diversity on the global stage. He often appears surprised when confronted with questions about anti-Christian violence, minimizing its seriousness.
During his recent remarks, he didn’t touch on the plight of Christians in India but rather emphasized Kerala’s deep ties to Christianity.
“Our Kerala has historically been a place of harmony and tolerance. St. Thomas’ Church, recognized as one of the oldest in the world, was established here centuries ago,” he noted, according to a translation from the Indian government, as he addressed the crowd at the opening of the Vizhinjam International Seaport.
“We recently lost Pope Francis. Our esteemed President, Draupadi Mam Ji, represented India at his funeral. I extend my condolences from Kerala to all who grieve,” Modi expressed.
“The world will remember Pope Francis for his dedication to service and his inclusive vision within the Christian tradition,” Modi added. “I’ve often considered myself fortunate to have had the chance to engage with him on various subjects upon our meetings.”
“I felt a unique connection with him. Our conversations spanned topics like humanity, service, and peace. His words have consistently motivated me,” Modi recalled.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtumn3p7apa
Pope Francis’s death was announced by the Vatican following a long struggle with respiratory issues. Just a day prior, he had celebrated Easter in St. Peter’s Square and attended several meetings, including one with Vice President J.D. Vance. Interestingly, Vance’s wife is Hindu, and during their visit to India, they toured Hindu temples as well.
Hinduism dominates India, with about 80% of the population identifying as Hindu. In contrast, Christians make up roughly 2.3%, or around 34 million people. A 2021 Pew survey noted that many Indian Christians are associated with lower castes, particularly among scheduled castes and tribes.
A significant portion of India’s Christians reside in Kerala due to its ancient Christian heritage. Local historians believe St. Thomas arrived in the region in 52 AD.
“In 1498, the renowned explorer Vasco Da Gama set out for Kerala, only to be surprised to discover a Christian presence,” stated a piece in Smithsonian magazine. “A couple of years later, Captain Pedrovarez arrived, introducing eight Franciscan priests to the region.”
Indian newspaper Hindus noted that following Pope Francis’s passing, India has “more Catholics than Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore combined.”
Modi enjoyed a modern relationship with Pope Francis, having visited the Vatican in 2021, where he extended an invitation for the Pope to visit India. Unfortunately, Pope Francis passed away before a visit could be arranged. Modi last met him in June 2024 during the G-7 Summit in Italy.
While Modi publicly shows respect for Christianity abroad, India remains a perilous environment for practicing this faith. Humanitarian groups highlight that India holds the 11th position in the World Watchlist for countries most hostile to Christians as of 2025.
“In India, Hindu extremists often view Christians as outsiders, believing in a need to purify the nation of non-Hindu faiths, frequently resorting to violence,” detailed a report by Open Doors. “This animosity is fueled by Hindu nationalism, which posits that only Hindus should have a place in India, leaving no room for other beliefs.”
“Individuals converting from Hinduism to Christianity face severe persecution, often pressured by their families and communities, alongside extremist groups conducting reconversion campaigns like Ghar Wapsi (‘Homecoming’).”
When questioned about the treatment of Christians during a 2023 White House visit, Modi expressed his surprise that anyone would perceive his government as intolerant.
“Our government adheres to the core principles of democracy, reflected in our constitution, which governs the nation,” Modi asserted. “We’ve demonstrated that democracy can provide a platform free of discrimination, regardless of caste, belief, religion, or gender.”
