Cardinal Ivan Dias, former Archbishop of Mumbai and former prefect of the Vatican Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples and nuncio (papal ambassador) to several countries, died today in Rome. (AP)

There was a depth of spirituality in Cardinal Ivan Dias, former Archbishop of Mumbai, said Joseph Dias, general secretary of Catholic Secular Forum, here tonight. Cardinal Dias passed away in Rome today. When he was appointed Archbishop, many of us did not know him too wellsince he had been involved with the diplomatic services for the Vatican, but as soon as we encountered him we could see in him the depth of his spirituality and his love for his priests, Joseph Dias said.

His first projects were the development of the Clergy Home and the Seminaryhe came across as a no-nonsense leader, demanding accountability from his priests while being generous in his love for them. I had the wonderful opportunity of serving as the secretary of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council for three years and it was during that time I was able to see the humane, gentle, spiritual and strong side of him, he said.

He loved youth. I know how excited he was meeting them, sometimes even playing the guitar to sing his favourite song Telephone to Glory, said Dias. With his death the Church has lost a brilliant and endearing prince, he added.

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We saw depth of spirituality in Cardinal Dias says Joseph Dias, general secretary of Catholic Secular Forum - Financial Express