Cardinal Telesphore P Toppo at St Mary’s Cathedral in Ranchi on Palm Sunday. PTI photo

Ranchi, March 24: Newly elected Pope Francis, in a personally signed message for Ranchi residents, said he would pray for the people who, over centuries, have lived in harmony amid religious and cultural diversities, and asked for their prayers in turn.

Cardinal Telesphore Placidus Toppo, who led thousands of the faithful at a special Mass on Palm Sunday at the 102-year-old St Mary’s Cathedral in the capital, divulged the papal message before the proceedings and told The Telegraph he was very moved with what Pope Francis wrote.

“With great joy, I offer a cordial greeting to my brother Cardinal Telesphore P. Toppo, Archbishop of Ranchi, and to you and the faithful of the Church in Ranchi, India. I pray for all of you so that you become the salt and light for the people in India and beyond,” went the message of Pope Francis.

It went on to speak of tolerance and inclusiveness in a pluralistic society.

In a “multi-religious and multi-cultural context, living our faith means showing love and concern for each and every person, especially those in need — the children, the elderly, the poor, who are often the last we think about”, the message said.

Pope Francis also voiced his concern for ecology: “It (living our faith) also means protecting all creation, the beauty of the created worlds.”

In all humility, the Pope ended with: “I impart my apostolic blessings to each one of you and I ask all of you to pray for me.”

Palm Sunday, the day that marks the Holy Week of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ culminating in Easter Sunday, is also referred to as Passion Sunday.

The Bible reveals that when Jesus entered Jerusalem, crowds greeted him by waving and covering his pathway with palm fronds. Immediately following this great time of celebration, Jesus began his journey to the cross.

This Sunday, the faithful in Ranchi, with palm fronds, took out a procession through the streets to commemorate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

“I ask every one to participate in the mysteries of salvation, through prayers and meditation, reading Gospels or in whatever way they can, with faith, care and love. As Jesus walked into Jerusalem and people placed palm fronds on his path, he knew crucifixion and death awaited him. Yet, Jesus continued his journey. He was affixed on the cross and left to die. Jesus died for us, to show salvation can be attained only through sacrifice,” Toppo said in his address this morning.

“Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the Holy Week, with the arrest, crucifixion and resurrection. This event is bigger than the election of the Pope,” Toppo said.