The Pope was a kind-hearted soul, recollects Panakkad Thangal

Kozhikode: IUML state president Panakkad Sadikali Thangal, who met Pope Francis at the Vatican in Dec 2024 during the interreligious conference organized by Sree Narayana Dharma Sanghom Trust, said he still feels the love and kindness shown by the Pope.

Thangal said that Pope Francis had left a lesson for all of humanity. "Pope Francis was one of those rare leaders who could conquer the world with love and humility. I visited him at the Vatican a few months ago and we talked for two hours," he added.

"He found time to personally greet every individual in the large crowd at the event. If you saw him interacting then, you would not detect any signs of illness or fatigue on his face. He exuded brotherhood, humanity and love. Thank you for the memories and your love," he said, adding that the Pope's love for Kerala could be understood.

"The welcome song at the interreligious meeting was sung in Malayalam by Keralite students studying at the Vatican. He listened with interest and signed autographs at their request," said Thangal, adding that Pope Francis spoke of Kerala and its natural bounty.

Thangal had presented a copy of the book ‘Islamic Art and Architecture: An Introduction' to the Pope at the meeting.