Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju has departed for Vatican City as part of an official Indian delegation, led by President Droupadi Murmu, to attend the state funeral of His Holiness Pope Francis and convey condolences on behalf of the Government and people of India.
The delegation also includes Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs and Fisheries George Kurian and Goa’s Deputy Speaker Joshua Peter De Souza. Sharing the news on X, Rijiju wrote, “Leaving for Rome (Vatican City) with Hon’ble President Smt Droupadi Murmu Ji to attend the State Funeral of His Holiness Pope Francis and offer condolences on behalf of the Govt and people of India. MoS @GeorgekurianBjp & Dy. Speaker of Goa @Joshua_De_Souza in the delegation.”
President Murmu will visit Vatican City from April 25 to 26. On April 25, she will lay a wreath at the Basilica of Saint Peter in tribute to Pope Francis. On April 26, she will attend the funeral Mass at Saint Peter’s Square, alongside world leaders and dignitaries.
Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 on April 21 at his Vatican residence, was the first Latin American to serve as Pope, having assumed the papacy in March 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. Known for his compassion, humility, and progressive vision, Pope Francis touched millions of lives across the globe.
In an official press release, the Ministry of External Affairs stated, “His Holiness Pope Francis will be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions across the world.”
As a mark of respect, the Indian government declared April 26 as a day of state mourning. The Ministry of Home Affairs announced that the national flag would be flown at half-mast across all government buildings and that there would be no official entertainment on that day. In total, three days of state mourning were observed—April 22, April 23, and April 26.
On April 22, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh visited the Apostolic Nunciature in New Delhi to sign the condolence book, expressing India’s grief and solidarity with the global Catholic community.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended heartfelt condolences, stating, “Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage… His affection for the people of India will always be cherished.”
Images released by the Vatican show Pope Francis lying in repose in an open coffin, wearing a red robe, the papal mitre, and holding a rosary. The funeral will be led by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Giovanni Battista Re, and will conclude with the Pope’s body being moved to St. Mary Major for burial after the final commendation.
India’s participation in the funeral underscores the respect Pope Francis commanded globally and reflects the nation’s commitment to interfaith harmony and global solidarity.