President Droupadi Murmu led the Indian delegation to Vatican City to attend the State Funeral of His Holiness Pope Francis, offering condolences on behalf of the Government and people of India. The President was 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.
President Murmu arrived in Rome on April 25 and participated in the State Funeral on April 26, where she paid homage at the Saint Peter’s Basilica. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Shri Randhir Jaiswal, confirmed the President’s visit, noting, “President Droupadi Murmu paid homage to His Holiness Pope Francis at the Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.”
The passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, marked a moment of profound grief worldwide. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, acknowledging the late Pope’s deep affection for the people of India. India declared three days of State Mourning to honor the Pope.
