President Droupadi Murmu has embarked on a two-day visit to Vatican City to attend the state funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at the age of 88. Her visit reflects India&rsquo;s deep regard for the Pope&rsquo;s enduring message of peace, compassion and interfaith unity. Joining her on the official visit are Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurian, and Deputy Speaker of the Goa Assembly Joshua De Souza. President Murmu is expected to lay a wreath at St Peter&rsquo;s Basilica today, where the Pope lies in state. She will then participate in the funeral Mass at St Peter&rsquo;s Square on April 26, which will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the Dean of the College of Cardinals.&nbsp;
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on the passing of Pope Francis through a heartfelt message on X He described the Pope as a "beacon of compassion, humility, and spiritual courage" whose affection for the people of India would always be cherished. PM Modi conveyed his deepest sympathies to the global Catholic community and prayed for the Pope's soul to find eternal peace in God's embrace.&nbsp; This tribute follows PM Modi's previous interactions with Pope Francis, including a meeting at the G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy, where he admired the Pope's commitment to serving people and invited him to visit India. Their past discussions also touched upon issues like climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic. To honour the late pontiff, the Indian government has declared April 26 as a day of state mourning. The national flag will be flown at half-mast, and no official entertainment will take place during this period. Pope Francis, the first pope from Latin America and a global symbol of humility and social justice, died following a stroke. As per his wishes, he will be laid to rest at the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome, near the icon of the Madonna that held special meaning for him. World leaders and dignitaries are gathering in Rome for the funeral. While US Vice President JD Vance will not be attending, former President Donald Trump and leaders from Taiwan, the Philippines, and Slovakia are expected to be present. Pope Francis&rsquo; passing marks the end of a papacy that reshaped the global image of the Catholic Church. Known for his empathy, progressive stance on global issues, and dedication to the underprivileged, he leaves behind a lasting legacy that transcended religious and national boundaries. <a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb34ERXCnA7lrMp57S3N" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Follow the Benefit News channel on WhatsApp</a>

President Murmu departs for Vatican to attend Pope Francis' funeral representing India

India Honours Late Pope Francis

President Murmu departs for Vatican to attend Pope Francis' funeral representing India

April 25, 2025 | 10:11 IST