President Droupadi Murmu on Friday departed for Vatican City to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away earlier this week. Her visit reflects India’s gesture of solidarity and reverence towards the global spiritual leader.
She is accompanied by Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju; 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, her office said in a post on social media platform X.
Murmu is on a two-day visit to the Vatican, during which she will represent the Government and people of India at the funeral and extend condolences following the Pope's demise.
"President Droupadi Murmu departs for Vatican City to attend the State Funeral of HH Pope Francis," read a statement from the President’s Secretariat.
Pope Francis, the first non-European pontiff in nearly 1,300 years, passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88.
On Friday, President Murmu is scheduled to pay homage by laying a wreath at the Basilica of Saint Peter in Vatican City.
"On April 26, the president will attend the funeral Mass of His Holiness Pope Francis at Saint Peter's Square in Vatican City, which will be attended by dignitaries from around the world," said the Ministry of External Affairs in a statement.
In a mark of respect, the Government of India has declared a three-day State mourning to honour the memory of the late pontiff.
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