Catholic Church to offer special prayers for Jyoti Basu

New Delhi, Jan 18 : Condoling the death of former West Bengal chief minister Jyoti Basu, the Catholic church Monday said special prayers will be offered for the repose of his soul.

Auxiliary Bishop of Delhi archdiocese, Franco Mulakkal said: "His love and concern for the poor as well as his call for justice and equality to all and sundry, which is also what the Church believes in and promotes, find a proper resonance with the teachings of the Bible."

"Special prayers during worship will be offered for the repose of the soul of Basu, whose death is a major loss for the country. He will continue to inspire all who would like to aspire to be in politics to live for the good of the others," he added.

The bishop offered the church's condolences to Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) politburo member Sitaram Yechury at the party headquarters here.