The first ever tribal cardinal from India, Cardinal Telesphore Toppo, has passed away at the age of 84.
Cardinal Toppo had been in the hospital for three months because of complications due to old-age and died this week following cardiac arrest.
Toppo had been a cardinal for 19 years and also served as the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India. The Church in India has grown exponentially in the past 50 years, specifically in tribal regions.
Toppo was known for his key role in expanding the Church's protection of tribal rights. Pope Francis sent a telegram to the diocese of the late Cardinal to express his condolences for the loss and recall the remarkable service Toppo dedicated to the Church throughout his life.
AT
