Dimapur: Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton, who recently returned from the Vatican City after attending the Papal inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, shared a noteworthy moment from his visit that emphasised Christian unity beyond denominational lines.
Speaking at a grand civic reception at Dimapur airport on Monday, Patton recounted his brief interaction with Pope Leo XIV, stating that the Pope asked him a simple question upon noticing his necklace: “Are you a Christian?” Patton highlighted that the Pope did not inquire about his specific denomination, saying, “In other countries, a Christian is simply a Christian – not identified by divisions such as Baptist, Catholic or Revival or others. He just asked me if I am a Christian or not.”
The reception ceremony, jointly organised by the Dimapur Lotha Hoho and the Chumoukedima Lotha Hoho, marked Patton’s return from what he described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. He was part of the Indian state delegation led by Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh, to attend the inaugural mass of the 267th Pope held on May 18.
Patton also shared that during the meeting, he showed the Pope a cross that had been blessed by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012 when he visited Jerusalem. “He was very happy when I said that I am a Christian,” Patton recalled.
The Deputy Chief Minister, known for his strong Christian faith, expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for nominating him for the visit and acknowledged the support of Union Minister for External Affairs S. Jaishankar and Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
The Vatican visit, Patton said, was filled with “wonderful and memorable moments” and marked a significant occasion for both his personal faith and for the Christian community of Nagaland. His reflections on the Pope’s gesture highlighted a message of spiritual unity that transcends denominational boundaries.
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