President Droupadi Murmu departed for the Vatican City on Friday to attend the state funeral of His Holiness Pope Francis, who passed away on 21 April at the age of 88.
Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, joins her as part of the official Indian delegation.
In addition to President Murmu and Kiren Rijiju, the delegation includes 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.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the President will represent India’s government and people during her two-day visit from 25–26 April.
On 25 April, President Murmu will lay a wreath at Saint Peter’s Basilica, paying tribute to the late pontiff.
She will attend the funeral Mass at Saint Peter’s Square the following day, where world leaders and dignitaries plan to gather.
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The MEA confirmed that at least 130 foreign delegations have announced their attendance, including 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs.
Among those confirmed are US President Donald Trump, UK’s Prince William, French President Emmanuel Macron, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
In an official statement, the MEA described Pope Francis as ‘a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage’, qualities that endeared him to millions across the globe.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs declared state mourning across India for 26 April and ordered all buildings that regularly hoist the National Flag to fly it at half-mast.
Officials will not hold any entertainment on the day.
Earlier, India observed three days of state mourning following the Pope’s death.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow in a heartfelt message shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. In this hour of grief and remembrance, my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community. Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world. From a young age, he devoted himself towards realising the ideals of Lord Christ. He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope. ”
“I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development. His affection for the people of India will always be cherished. May his soul find eternal peace in God’s embrace,” the post further added.
The Dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, will lead the funeral service.
He will also deliver the final commendation, a concluding prayer entrusting the Pope’s soul to God. Officials will then move the body to St Mary Major Basilica for burial.
Pope Francis, who took over from Pope Benedict XVI on 13 March 2013, was the first Latin American pontiff to lead the Roman Catholic Church.
His passing further marks the end of a historic papacy known for its commitment to inclusion, compassion, and service to the marginalised.
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