MUMBAI: Archbishop of Bombay Oswald Cardinal Gracias has said that Pope Francis is closely following the developments in the case of Jalandhar bishop Franco Mulakkal who has been arrested for raping a nun over two years.

The Pope is awaiting the results of the police investigation.

Cardinal Gracias, who is also president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) issued the statement from Rome where he is participating in the Synod of Bishops on Youth. ``We reiterated our confidence in the judicial system of India and trust that the full truth will emerge and justice will be done for all,'' he wrote.

Other Indian cardinals attending the meet include George Alencherry and Basilios Cleemis. They met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, secretary of state, Cardinal Fernando Filoni, prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, and Cardinal Leonardo Santri, prefect of the Congregation for the Oriental Churches to share their thoughts on the matter of Bishop Mulakkal.

"At this time our hearts and minds are with our people and we pray especially for all involved in the case. We expect that the present Synod of Bishops will result in a revitalization of our apostolate to young people, and bring fresh life and vigour to all our Churches,'' Cardinal Gracias wrote.