President Droupadi Murmu arrived at Vatican City to represent India at the state funeral of Pope Francis. Accompanied by senior ministers, she paid homage to the late Pope and will attend the funeral ceremony, which brings together global leaders and dignitaries to honor Pope Francis’s legacy of compassion and service.

Key Points:

• President Droupadi Murmu has reached Vatican City to attend the funeral of Pope Francis.
• She is accompanied by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State George Kurian, and Deputy Speaker Joshua De Souza.
• President Murmu paid tribute to Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Basilica, where his body was laid in state.
• The funeral ceremony is scheduled for April 26, 2025, at St. Peter’s Square with attendance from world leaders.
• The Government of India declared a day of state mourning on April 26, flying the national flag at half-mast.
• Pope Francis, admired globally for his humility and advocacy for the marginalized, passed away at the age of 88.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed heartfelt condolences, praising Pope Francis’s deep affection for humanity and India.