President Droupadi Murmu led a high-profile Indian delegation to Vatican City to attend the State Funeral of Pope Francis, representing the Government and people of India. 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.
The State Funeral, held on April 26, saw President Murmu paying her respects at the Saint Peter’s Basilica, reflecting India’s solidarity with the global Catholic community. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Shri Randhir Jaiswal, shared the news, confirming the Indian delegation’s participation in the historic event.
Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, left behind a legacy of love and compassion. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended condolences, recalling the Pope’s deep connection with India. The Indian government declared three days of State Mourning in honor of the late Pontiff.
