Thousands join Cardinal Toppo's funeral in eastern India

More than 50,000 people joined the funeral service of Asia's first cardinal from the tribal community, Telesphore Placidus Toppo, when he was buried with state honors in eastern India on Oct. 11.

The 84-year-old Cardinal Toppo died on Oct. 4 at the Church-run Father Constant Leavens Hospital and Research Centre in his home state of Jharkhand due to age-related illness.

More than 50,000 people from all walks of life paid their last respects, including state Governor C. P. Radhakrishnan and Chief Minister Hemant Soren, said Father Nicholas Barla, secretary of the Indian bishops'  office for tribal affairs.

“The crowd, irrespective of their caste, creed, and religion, showed that he was the ‘people’s cardinal’ who broke all barriers." Toppo was known as the “people’s cardinal” because of his enthusiasm to get involved in the issues of ordinary tribal people aiming to help them.