Deputy CM Yanthungo Patton shares Vatican experience in Dimapur

Published on May 26, 2025

Yanthungo Patton addresses the gathering during a reception programme at Dimapur Airport on Monday. (EM Images)
DIMAPUR — A reception programme was held at Dimapur Airport on Monday to welcome Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton, who recently attended the inaugural mass of Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican.
The welcoming programme was jointly organised by the Dimapur Lotha Hoho (DLH) and the Chümoukedima Lotha Hoho (CLH).
Patton attended the inaugural mass along with the Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Harivansh Narayan Singh, as part of the Indian delegation.
Speaking at the programme, Patton expressed gratitude to all communities and individuals who made the journey possible and deep appreciation to the national leadership. He was grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for nominating him to attend the event.
Patton, narrating his interaction with the Pope, shared that the Pope simply asked whether he was a Christian. In response, Patton took out his cross necklace and explained that it had been blessed by Pope Benedict XVI during his visit to Jerusalem in 2012. He added that the Pope was very pleased to hear this.

He expressed sincere gratitude to the Union Minister for External Affairs, S Jaishankar, and his ministry for their support and coordination throughout the journey and acknowledged the efforts of the Indian ambassador in ensuring flawless arrangements.
Patton expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, acknowledging his support and initiative from the very beginning. He shared that upon informing the CM about his nomination to attend the Pope’s inaugural programme, Rio was the first to take the lead in supporting and enabling his participation.
He mentioned that attending the Pope’s inaugural programme at the Vatican is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that is truly wonderful and memorable.
The reception programme also featured a short speech by CLH general secretary Longshithung Kikon, followed by presentations from various community organisations.