Pope Leo XIV has appointed Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop Emeritus of Bombay, as his Special Envoy to the 12th Plenary Assembly of the FABC, to be held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from July 20–26, 2026.
In a letter addressed to Cardinal Gracias, the pope expressed his hope for the continued growth of the Church in Asia, emphasizing the region’s role in witnessing to the Christian faith and promoting human dignity.
Reflecting on the mission of the Church in Asia, Pope Leo XIV encouraged bishops and faithful to remain engaged with the realities of the contemporary world.
“Do not be afraid to get your hands dirty in the work of our time,” the pope said, urging the Church to respond with prayer, wisdom, and perseverance to the challenges facing humanity.
The pope highlighted the importance of placing God at the center of the Church’s actions and ensuring that the human person remains at the heart of its decisions. He said that those often pushed to the margins — including the poor, the sick, migrants, and children — must be recognized as central to building a more just and compassionate society.
Drawing from Psalm 85:11, Pope Leo XIV called for a world where “charity and truth meet” and where “justice and peace” are united.
The pope also encouraged the Church to become a builder of communion rather than an institution shaped by division or self-interest.
“We must become builders of communion and not architects of the Babylon of this age; servants of the coming Kingdom, not builders of towers destined for ruin,” he said.
Cardinal Gracias, who served as Archbishop of Bombay, India, from 2006 to 2025, is widely recognized for his contributions to the Church in Asia and his involvement in regional and global Church leadership. He previously served as president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India and as a member of the Vatican’s key advisory bodies.
As the pope’s representative, Cardinal Gracias will preside over liturgical celebrations and convey Pope Leo XIV’s greetings and closeness to bishops, priests, religious, and lay faithful participating in the FABC gathering.
The 12th FABC Plenary Assembly will bring together bishops from across Asia under the theme “The Call to Synodal Conversion and the Mission to be Bridges and Bridge-builders in Asia,” focusing on the Church’s call to strengthen communion, dialogue, and missionary engagement across the continent.
MUMBAI, India – As it marks its 175th anniversary, Cardinal Oswald Gracias calls Bombay’s diocesan newspaper “a beacon of truth, a voice of reason, and a source of inspiration for countless individuals across India and beyond.”
“As we reflect on this momentous occasion, it is impossible not to be awed by the rich history and the legacy of excellence that The Examiner embodies,” the cardinal said.
“Since its inception, The Examiner has remained steadfast in its commitment to upholding the values of the Church, fostering dialogue, and serving as a catalyst for positive change within our community and society at large,” he added.
Gracias noted that beyond its role as a purveyor of news and information, The Examiner has played a vital role in shaping the narrative surrounding critical issues facing the Church and society.
“Through its insightful articles and reporting, thought-provoking commentary, and unwavering advocacy for justice and compassion, The Examiner has not only informed minds but also touched hearts, inspiring countless individuals to action and reflection,” he said.
The Examiner was established on July 10, 1849, by the Jesuits. It is the oldest English language Catholic newspaper in India.
“Looking ahead to the next 175 years and beyond, let us recommit ourselves to the values and ideals that have guided The Examiner since its inception: Integrity, excellence, and a steadfast commitment to serving the Church and society with humility and compassion,” Gracias added.
“May this anniversary year be a time of renewal, celebration, and rededication to the noble mission of journalism as a force for good in the world,” he said.
“As raise our hearts on the occasion of the 175th year of the uninterrupted publication of The Examiner to give thanks to God for the gift that He has given us,” he said in a message sent to Crux.
“We do not take this occasion to trumpet the glories of our work, for we are just frail vessels of clay made from the earth, and unto dust we shall return. But praise we must: Give glory to God for the wonders and marvels of His work, and loudly proclaim and communicate the grandeur of His Love.,” the priest added.
“Where do we begin to tell the story of how great the love of God can be, greater than the ocean and the sea, a communion between God and humanity! This is the essence of the branding of The Examiner insignia which gives us the motto, and the icon of what a religious Catholic newspaper ought to be,” Charanghat said.
The priest said The Examiner is a religious magazine which gives primacy of place to human relationship with God.
“Hence, The Examiner is called to function as a mirror of God’s Love revealed by His Word, who is Christ. The Examiner, being a Catholic religious newspaper, has to interpret the deeper insights of God’s Word in the language of the common person,” he said.
Charanghat said the newspaper has employed the language of scripture to convey the message of the mission entrusted to every person “to fulfil their call to bring the Kingdom values on Earth.”
“The literary genre of the language of the Bible has been extensively used in The Examiner and by our writers who were legends of yore, that has elevated the tenor and tone of The Examiner and raised it to the touch of the Divine, casting a spiritual glow that makes The Examiner so riveting,” he said.
“It is interesting to observe that human religious writings are always inspired by God, especially if they mirror the revelations of God, as evidenced by the authors of the Bible. The language of the Bible has been extolled as the best literature in the world which touches the mind, moves the heart and changes the world. The Bible has been deemed universally as the greatest story of Love ever told,” the priest added.
“Above all, the Bible is a story of Salvation realised in the redeeming life of Jesus Christ, our mediator between God and man,” he said.
He also wanted to pay tribute to a galaxy of eminent writers and contributors who have “embellished the volumes of The Examiner over the years with their expertise, knowledge and writing skills, who have made it a readers’ delight to be found not only in many Christian homes, but also avidly read in public libraries, educational institutions and hospitals, to bring comfort and solace in the healing powers of God in their moments of pain and suffering.”
“I cannot fail to thank the dynamic and exuberant Father Joshan Rodrigues, who has been a pillar of strength, upholding the edifice of The Examiner as he assisted me in editing the content and operations of The Examiner, and on several occasions, writing the leaders of the newsweekly,” Charanghat said.
Looking to the future, the editor said it is his sincere belief and hope that the next generation of the newspaper’s family will “surely steer the forward march of The Examiner to greater heights into the last lap of the bicentennial.”
