---
title: Archbishop of Bombay issues urgent appeal for prayer for India and its youth
url: https://www.faithfulnews.com/en/archbishop-of-bombay-issues-urgent-appeal-for-prayer-for-india-and-its-youth
published: 2026-10-10T16:49:29+00:00
language: en
section: World Church
source: https://www.vaticannews.va/hi/church/news/2026-10/an-urgent-appeal-prayer-for-the-india-bishop-dominic.html
organizations: Catholic Church
publisher: FaithfulNews
---

# Archbishop of Bombay issues urgent appeal for prayer for India and its youth

The Archbishop of Bombay has released a video message calling for fervent prayer for the nation of India and specifically for its young people who are currently raising their voices for justice and democratic rights. The religious leader expressed deep concern over the escalating situation, describing the appeal as a matter of extreme urgency for the faithful.

The archbishop noted that protests have been increasing over the past period, involving students, young people, journalists, civil society members, and ordinary citizens. These demonstrations were initiated amid concerns regarding the leakage of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test paper, election laws, and the State Information Registry. Reports indicate that the names of more than 130 million people have been removed from the proposed election voter list. This scale of exclusion has generated significant anxiety among citizens regarding whether all eligible individuals will be able to exercise their democratic right to vote.

The leader emphasized that Article 19 of the Constitution protects the freedom of speech and expression and grants the right to hold peaceful and unarmed assemblies. A healthy democracy, he stated, requires the ability to question authorities, express disagreement, and demand accountability. He expressed particular alarm at the manner in which some protests have been suppressed. Images and videos of police action against demonstrators have emerged, showing instances of brutal lathi charging. Even after people dispersed, tear gas was reportedly deployed, and individuals were detained. The use of force and sexual harassment against women and girls were also cited. Female journalists have complained of being beaten brutally and sexually harassed by police during recent protests. It was noted that police officers have refused to file First Information Reports against their own colleagues for these actions.

The archbishop argued that when those tasked with protecting the law violate the human dignity and rights of citizens, it constitutes a serious matter. He suggested that the Home Minister and the Prime Minister should intervene directly in such situations. He reminded police that their duty is to maintain order and protect citizens, not to harm or injure them. He urged officials to act with restraint, accountability, and respect for human dignity, ensuring that force is never used as a tool to silence or humiliate people.

Calling on the Church, the archbishop stated that the Church cannot remain neutral when human dignity is at risk. He quoted the prophet Isaiah, urging the faithful to learn to do good, pursue justice, and assist the oppressed. He emphasized that these are not merely beautiful words but must be translated into action. The Catholic Church teaches that political power is for the common good and that fundamental human rights must be respected. Citizens also have a responsibility to participate in the social and political life of their country.

The appeal specifically requested prayers for India, for truth, for justice, and for the protection of democracy. He asked the faithful to pray for those who feel their voices are being suppressed and for the safety of young people who have taken courageous and selfless steps to advocate for the rights of every citizen. He also called for prayers for the safety of women and girls participating in peaceful movements, for journalists working under difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions, and for police officers, asking that they be granted wisdom, mercy, and courage to use their authority correctly and protect the human rights of all citizens. He advised praying for political leaders and institutions to remember that office is a responsibility, not a privilege, and that power is given for service, not for intimidation. He concluded by asking for God's protection for the youth and blessings for the nation.

## This story in other languages

- [Français](https://www.faithfulnews.com/fr/un-archeveque-lance-un-appel-urgent-a-la-priere-pour-linde-et-sa-jeunesse)