The recent visit of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to the headquarters of the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata has sparked discussion among Church leaders and social groups in India.
Rubio, a Catholic, visited the Mother House and Nirmala Shishu Bhawan on May 23 along with his wife Jeanette and US Ambassador Sergio Gor. During the two-hour visit, he met the sisters and spent time with elderly people, children, and the poor cared for by the congregation founded by Mother Teresa.
Church leaders in Kolkata welcomed the visit and described it as a strong message supporting religious freedom and Christian charitable work in India. Rubio reportedly praised Mother Teresa’s mission as “a living example of the Catholic faith in action.”
Some Christian leaders said the visit may also bring international attention to concerns surrounding proposed changes to India’s Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), which many Church groups fear could affect Christian institutions and charities receiving foreign support.
In 2021, the Missionaries of Charity temporarily lost their FCRA licence before it was later restored following criticism from India and abroad. Christian leaders believe the proposed amendments could create further difficulties for faith-based organisations working among the poor.
At the same time, some observers felt the visit was largely symbolic and doubted whether issues concerning Christians in India were directly discussed with Indian leaders.
The visit has nevertheless attracted national attention, with supporters viewing it as recognition of Mother Teresa’s continuing legacy of compassion and service to the poor.
