MUMBAI, India – India’s most prominent cardinal is standing down as Archbishop of Bombay, have reached the ago of 80 last December.

Cardinal Oswald Gracias has been one of Pope Francis’s closest advisors, having been a member of the Council of Cardinals since it began in 2013.

Oswald has been succeeded by Archbishop John Rodrigues, until now coadjutor Archbishop of Bombay.

“Cardinal Oswald Gracias was a giant of a man, and now as his successor I have mighty big shoes to fill,” Rodrigues said.

In a video message, Cardinal Gracias expressed heartfelt gratitude to all his collaborators in the archdiocese, including bishops, priests, religious, the laity, and the citizens of Mumbai.