Guwahati, February 22, 2026: Fr. Nicholas Sangma, a priest of the Archdiocese of Guwahati in Northeast India, had the honour of meeting His Holiness Pope Leo XIV during a recent General Audience at the Vatican. On the occasion, he presented the Holy Father with a traditional Assamese Fulam Gamosa, symbolizing the rich cultural heritage of Assam. 
During the brief encounter, Fr. Sangma requested the Pope to invoke God’s abundant blessings upon the people of Assam. The gesture was warmly received, marking a moment of pride for the Catholic community of Northeast India.
Fr. Nicholas, who was ordained to the priesthood in early 2022, was sent to Rome last July to pursue a Master’s degree in Dogmatic Theology at the Pontifical Urbaniana University. He is accompanied by his classmate, Fr. Salgrak Momin of the Diocese of Tura, who is also pursuing Masters in Canon Law from the same university.
Before leaving for higher studies, Fr. Nicholas served as Vice Principal of Don Bosco School, Sonaighuli, where he was actively involved in academic and pastoral responsibilities.
His meeting with Pope Leo XIV reflects the vibrant presence of the Church from India’s Northeast within the universal Church and highlights the growing contribution of young priests from the region to global theological scholarship.