Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, along with Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha Harivansh, attended the inauguration of the Pontificate of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on 18 May as part of the Indian Official Delegation.
Describing the experience as an honour, Patton said the ceremony was deeply moving and conveyed a message of peace, humility, and global solidarity.
“Representing India at such a historic and spiritual gathering was truly a privilege. We pray that Pope Leo XIV’s papacy ushers in a new era of compassion, dialogue, and unity among all people and nations,” Patton said.
Leader of the Indian delegation, Harivansh, also highlighted the significance of India’s participation in the event.
“The participation of the Indian delegation in this important global religious event reflects India’s deep commitment to inter-religious engagement, mutual respect among communities and diplomatic engagement with the Holy See,” he stated.
The Indian delegation had the opportunity to meet the new Pope during the visit.
“In my brief meet with him, I extended my felicitations and best wishes on behalf of the people of India,” Harivansh said.
During his time at the Vatican, Patton also met with priests and nuns from Nagaland who were present for the Inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV.
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff in the history of the Roman Catholic Church, formally began his papacy on Sunday with an inaugural Mass attended by approximately 200,000 people and dozens of world leaders. Cardinal Robert Prevost, a Chicago-born Peruvian citizen and Augustinian missionary, assumed his new role following the death of Pope Francis in April.