The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has expressed “profound sorrow” at the death of Manohar Parrikar, the Chief Minister of Goa and former federal Minister for Defence. Parrikar, 63 died from pancreatic cancer on March 17.

“We can truly say that Goa and India have lost a great leader and the Christian community has lost a sincere and honest friend,” said a condolence statement from the CBCI. The bishops saluted the “courage and determination” of the leader who till his last breath battled against his disease. Parrikar’s recent public appearances “manifested his daunting fortitude,” it said.

In late January despite his advanced disease, he opened the Mandovi bridge and a few days later participated in the Goa Assembly Session.
“We were happy that the Goa Chief Minister looked in high spirits not scared of his physical sufferings and undeterred by the tubes inserted inside his nasal cavity,” the statement said.