The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, has officially led the Indian delegation to Vatican City for the State Funeral of Pope Francis. President Murmu, accompanied by Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State for Minority Affairs, Shri George Kurian, and Deputy Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Shri Joshua De Souza, arrived in Rome on April 25 to pay tribute to the late Pontiff.
The State Funeral, held on April 26, was marked by solemn ceremonies at the Saint Peter’s Basilica, where President Murmu paid her respects. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the delegation’s participation, with spokesperson Shri Randhir Jaiswal offering additional details about the visit.
The global mourning continues after Pope Francis’ passing on April 21, 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep condolences, recalling the Pope’s enduring affection for India. The Government of India declared three days of State Mourning in his honor.
