New Delhi, India, Jul 22, 2017 / 05:08 am
The bishops of India have offered their congratulations to the country's newly elected president, Ram Nath Kovind, urging him to live out the oath he will take to serve the well-being of the people.
India's presidency is largely a ceremonial role, while the prime minister is head of government and leader of the executive branch.
In a July 20 statement the Indian bishops congratulated Kovind, assuring him "of our prayers for his good health and for wisdom and strength that he might guide our beloved country towards peace, development and justice for all peoples."
"We pray that God may assist him, that, as per the Oath of Office, he will strive 'to the best of his ability to preserve, protect and defend the constitution and the law, and that he will devote himself to the service and well-being of the people of the Republic of India.'"