President Droupadi Murmu to Attend State Funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican City
New Delhi, April 25: President Droupadi Murmu will visit Vatican City on April 25–26, 2025, to attend the State Funeral of His Holiness Pope Francis and offer condolences on behalf of the Government and people of India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced.
The two-day visit highlights India's deep respect for the late pontiff and its solidarity with the global Catholic community during this period of mourning.
Key Details of the Visit:
- April 25: President Murmu will lay a wreath at the Basilica of Saint Peter, paying homage to Pope Francis.
- April 26: She will attend the funeral Mass at Saint Peter’s Square, joining leaders and dignitaries worldwide in paying their final respects.
A Global Gathering:
The funeral is expected to draw numerous international leaders, including US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, UK’s Prince William, King Felipe VI of Spain, and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
India’s Tribute:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound sorrow, honoring Pope Francis’s legacy of compassion and spiritual guidance.
- The Indian Government has declared three days of State Mourning, with the National Flag flown at half-mast and no official entertainment during this period.
- Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, signed the condolence book at the Apostolic Nunciature in New Delhi on April 22.
Pope Francis’s Legacy:
Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88, will be remembered for his humility, advocacy for the marginalized, and transformative leadership of the Catholic Church. As the first Latin American and non-European Pope in over 1,300 years, his impact extended beyond the religious realm.
President Murmu’s participation underscores India’s respect for the late pontiff’s spiritual influence and his enduring global legacy.
