Modi's comments surprised many, who had been disappointed about the new government not coming out with a clear stand on the controversies. In a clear sign of unhappiness with Modi's silence, the Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Mumbai had recently told TOI that delegations from the church that visited the prime minister over such matters did not return reassured that things would get better. One senior catholic priest said Tuesday's Modi speech was a "pleasant surprise."
Head of Faridabad diocese of Syro-Malabar Catholics, Archbishop Kuriakose Bharanikulangara said despite India being a cradle of many religions, there are concerns about the growing intolerance towards minorities...