Prot. 758/Pres/2018(3-b-10/CBCI-GC)                                                                      July 7, 2018

We are shocked and deeply saddened by the demise of Cardinal Jean Louis Tauran. In him the world has lost a great leader who could build bridges and a diplomat of rare quality who could speak the truth with charity, grace and compassion. He was much appreciated by State and Government officials around the world

Cardinal Tauran was appointed as President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue on 25 June 2007 and took over this position on 1 September 2007. In this post, he was also responsible for Religious Relations with Muslims.

In addition to his duties as President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, he was a member of the Secretariat of State (Second Section); the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and many other Congregations in Rome. Earlier he held very responsible duties in the Secretariat of State for many years.

To me he was a brother Cardinal but even more a personal friend with whom I could share many of my concerns about the Church and about peace and harmony in the world. He was a special friend of India and in my various meetings with him, he manifested to me his deep love for our country. He visited India several times and most memorably led the Vatican delegation for inter- religious dialogue with very senior representatives of Hinduism at a two day Colloquim in Mumbai, a Colloquim that was a major step forward in fostering inter-religious dialogue in India. He knew how to respect every religion and understood the dignity and values that different expressions of faith contributed to the wellbeing in the world.

In the death of Cardinal Tauran not simply the Church in India and the world has lost a great leader, but India itself has lost one of its great admirers and lovers of our religions and cultures. We deeply mourn his death and pray to God to reward him for all his endeavours on earth and especially his efforts to bring people of all faiths, religions and cultures together.

+ Cardinal Oswald Gracias

Archbishop of Bombay and

President- CBCI & CCBI