President Murmu to Attend Pope Francis’s Funeral in Vatican City

New Delhi, April 25: President Droupadi Murmu will travel to Vatican City on April 25–26 to attend the State Funeral of His Holiness Pope Francis, representing the Government and people of India, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on Thursday. During the two-day visit, the President will pay homage to the late pontiff by laying a wreath at the Basilica of Saint Peter on April 25.

The following day, she will attend the funeral Mass at Saint Peter’s Square, alongside world leaders and dignitaries gathered to bid farewell to the head of the Roman Catholic Church.

Pope Francis passed away on April 21, prompting an outpouring of condolences from across the globe. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief at the Pope’s passing, describing him as a revered spiritual leader whose warmth toward India and its people will be fondly remembered.

In a gesture of solidarity, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh visited the Apostolic Nunciature in New Delhi on April 22 to sign the condolence book. The Indian government declared three days of State Mourning. The Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed that the National Flag will fly at half-mast on all official buildings across India on April 26, and no official entertainment will be held that day.

Pope Francis, remembered globally as a symbol of compassion, humility, and moral leadership, leaves behind a legacy that transcended religious boundaries. His death marks the end of an era in the Vatican, with tributes continuing to pour in from across continents.