Pope Francis Funeral: President Droupadi Murmu to Represent India at Vatican; National Mourning on April 26
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Pope Francis Funeral: President Droupadi Murmu to Represent India at Vatican; National Mourning on April 26
Pope Francis Funeral : In a historic gesture of respect and solidarity, President Droupadi Murmu will embark on a two-day official visit to Vatican City from April 25 to 26, 2025, to attend the state funeral of Pope Francis. The revered religious leader passed away on April 21 at the age of 88, leaving behind a global legacy of humility, compassion, and spiritual leadership.
President Droupadi Murmu to Attend Pope Francis’ Funeral in Vatican; India Observes State Mourning on April 26
India Pays Tribute to a Global Icon
According to an official statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), President Murmu will represent the Government of India and its people by offering heartfelt condolences and joining world leaders in paying tribute to the late Pontiff. On April 25, she will lay a ceremonial wreath at St. Peter’s Basilica, where mourners from around the world are gathering to pay their last respects.
On April 26, President Murmu will attend the funeral Mass at St. Peter’s Square, a solemn occasion that will see Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, preside over the final rites. The Mass will conclude with the “Last Praise”—a powerful prayer consecrating the soul of Pope Francis to God—followed by his burial at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome.
State Mourning Declared in India
To honour Pope Francis’ passing and the significance of his funeral, the Indian government has declared April 26 as a Day of State Mourning across the country. The Union Home Ministry announced that the national flag will fly at half-mast at all government establishments, and there will be no official celebrations or entertainment programmes on the day.
This follows the two-day state mourning observed on April 22 and 23 immediately after Pope Francis’ demise. During that time, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh visited the Apostolic Nunciature in New Delhi and signed the condolence book on behalf of India.
A Global Farewell for a Global Leader
Leaders and dignitaries from around the world are set to attend the funeral ceremonies. Notable attendees include:
U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump
Argentine President Javier Milei
French President Emmanuel Macron
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier
Italian President Sergio Mattarella
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium
Representatives from the European Union, Ukraine, and East Timor
This diverse participation highlights Pope Francis’ far-reaching influence that transcended religious and national boundaries.
Prime Minister Modi Pays Heartfelt Tribute
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to express profound grief over the Pope’s passing. In a moving post on platform X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:
“Deeply saddened by the demise 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 by millions across the world as a symbol of compassion, humility and spiritual courage.”
PM Modi further recalled his personal meetings with the Pope and lauded his commitment to inclusive development and service to humanity. He also expressed gratitude for the Pope’s affection towards the people of India.
Remembering Pope Francis: A Life Dedicated to Humanity
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Pope Francis was the first Jesuit Pope and the first from the Americas. His papacy was marked by groundbreaking efforts to promote interfaith dialogue, social justice, climate action, and care for the marginalized. From championing the rights of migrants to calling for global environmental stewardship, Pope Francis emerged as a moral beacon in an increasingly divided world.
His humility, exemplified by his simple lifestyle and heartfelt connection with people from all walks of life, earned him deep respect across faiths and nations.
Final Thoughts
As President Droupadi Murmu represents India in Vatican City, the entire nation joins in mourning the loss of a spiritual giant. Pope Francis’ death is not just a moment of sorrow for the Catholic Church, but a shared loss for humanity. India’s tribute reflects the Pope’s unique ability to transcend religious and political divides, touching millions through his life of service and love.
May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire compassion, justice, and peace across the globe.
