New Delhi [India], April 25 (ANI): President Droupadi Murmu on Friday departed for Vatican City to attend the State Funeral of Pope Francis. Accompanying her are Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju; Minister of State for Minority Affairs and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, George Kurian; and Deputy Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Joshua De Souza.
In a post shared on X, the Rashtrapati Bhavan confirmed the departure, stating, “President Droupadi Murmu departs for Vatican City to attend the State Funeral of HH Pope Francis.” The post also highlighted the accompanying officials.
President Murmu will be in Vatican City for two days, from April 25 to 26, to pay her respects and offer condolences on behalf of the Government and people of India. Pope Francis, aged 88, passed away on April 21 at his residence, Casa Santa Marta, in Vatican City. He was the first Latin American pope and led the Roman Catholic Church from March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI.
On April 25, President Murmu will lay a wreath at the Basilica of Saint Peter as a tribute to Pope Francis. On April 26, she will attend the funeral Mass at Saint Peter’s Square, where dignitaries from around the world will gather.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that Pope Francis will be remembered as a “beacon of compassion, humility, and spiritual courage” by millions worldwide.
In honor of the late Pope, India has declared state mourning for April 26. (ANI)
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