Synopsis
President Droupadi Murmu will visit Vatican City on April 25-26 to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, who died at 88. She will offer condolences on behalf of India and lay a wreath at Saint Peter's Basilica. The funeral is expected to attract numerous global dignitaries.Key Takeaways
- President Murmu to represent India at Pope Francis's funeral.
- Wreath-laying ceremony at Saint Peter's Basilica on April 25.
- Funeral Mass on April 26 at Saint Peter's Square.
- Attendance of over 130 foreign delegations.
- India observes three days of state mourning.
New Delhi, April 25 (NationPress) President Droupadi Murmu is set to embark on a journey to Vatican City for a two-day engagement on April 25-26 to participate in the state funeral of Pope Francis, who tragically passed away on April 21 at the age of 88, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in an official announcement on Thursday.
Throughout her visit, President Murmu will stand as India's representative at the state funeral and convey condolences on behalf of the Indian government and its citizens.
On April 25, the President will place a wreath at Saint Peter's Basilica in Vatican City to honor the late pontiff.
She will also attend the funeral Mass on April 26 at Saint Peter's Square, which is anticipated to draw numerous global leaders and dignitaries, according to a brief statement from the MEA.
The Vatican announced on Thursday that a minimum of 130 foreign delegations have confirmed their presence at Pope Francis' funeral, comprising 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs.
Confirmed attendees include US President Donald Trump, UK's Prince William, French President Emmanuel Macron, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, as well as Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
In response to Pope Francis' passing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, highlighting that the Pope's love for the Indian populace will be forever remembered.
"I am deeply saddened by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. During this time of mourning and reflection, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community. Pope Francis will always be remembered as a symbol of compassion, humility, and spiritual bravery by millions worldwide. From a young age, he dedicated himself to realizing the ideals of Lord Christ, tirelessly serving the poor and marginalized. For those in distress, he sparked a spirit of hope," PM Modi shared in a post on X.
"I fondly remember my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his dedication to inclusive and holistic development. His affection for the people of India will always be treasured. May his soul find eternal peace in God’s embrace," the Prime Minister added.
On April 22, Minister of State for External Affairs and Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh, visited the Apostolic Nunciature in New Delhi to sign the condolence book.
Earlier, India had declared three days of state mourning to honor the Pope's passing.
On Thursday, India announced that state mourning would occur on April 26 in respect of the funeral of His Holiness Pope Francis, the Supreme Pontiff of the Holy See.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs made the declaration through a statement, further announcing that the National flag would be flown at half-mast across India on all buildings where it is regularly displayed, and there will be no official entertainment.
Pope Francis was the first Latin American pontiff to lead the Roman Catholic Church after succeeding Pope Benedict XVI on March 13, 2013.
The dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, will preside over the funeral service. At the conclusion of the funeral, Cardinal Re will deliver the final commendation—a concluding prayer in which the Pope will be formally entrusted to God—and the body will be transported to St. Mary Major for burial.
