Pope Francis wore traditional tribal headgear from Arunachal Pradesh, India, during an audience with bishops on Sept. 21 at the Vatican.
The headgear, known as the ‘Bhopia’ or ‘Pudum,’ was presented by Bishop Benny Varghese of Itanagar, who was one of 114 bishops attending a course organized by the Dicastery for Evangelization.
The headgear represents the Nyishi tribe, one of the 25 major tribes in Arunachal Pradesh.
Bishop Varghese brought the headgear from his diocese in India to showcase the cultural heritage of the Indigenous people of the region.
According to the 2001 Census, other major tribes in the state include the Abor, Adi, Adi Gallong, Adi Minyong, Adi Pdam, Aka, Apatani, Bangni, Dafla, Deori, Galong, Culikata Mishmi, Khampti, Miji, Mishing, Mishmi, Monpa, Nishang, Nocte, Tagin, Tangsa, Tawang Monpa, and Wancho, as well as other Naga tribes.
Following the event, Bishop Varghese shared a photo of Pope Francis wearing the headgear with the Arunachal Pradesh Catholic Association social media group. The image quickly gained attention online, with users praising the gesture.
One comment came from group member Dr. Diphu Anna, who wrote:
_“The picture speaks volumes of love. Bishop Benny Varghese, a Keralite by birth, has served the people of Nagaland for decades and is now the bishop of Itanagar. He presented not just the Bhopia but also his people to the Pope. This shows his love for us, as a shepherd loves his flock. In accepting the Bhopia, the Holy Father demonstrates his pleasure in us, his people.”_
The presentation of the headgear was seen as a gesture of recognition for the cultural heritage of the Nyishi tribe and the people of Arunachal Pradesh.
According to members of the Arunachal Pradesh Catholic community, the event was significant as it reflected the connection between their local traditions and the global Church.
