Global Spotlight: President Murmu Joins World Leaders in Rome for Pope Francis’ Historic Farewell

President Droupadi Murmu landed in Rome on Friday to attend the state funeral of Pope Francis, which will take place on Saturday, April 26, at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City. Attended by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State George Kurian, and Goa Deputy Speaker Joshua De Souza, President Murmu paid solemn tributes to Pope Francis at the Basilica of Saint Peter, joining world dignitaries to pay tribute to the late pope's legacy of peace and interfaith dialogue.

 

Pope Francis, who died on April 21 at 88 years of age, will be buried after a funeral mass to be addressed by more than 150 delegations from all over the world, including 54 heads of state and 12 reigning monarchs. Also expected to be among the visitors is US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The funeral mass will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, as thousands of clergy and mourners are invited to attend the somber ceremony.

 

A three-day state mourning has been announced in India, the national flag flown at half-mast, and official entertainment suspended across the country on the day of the funeral, as the nation pays homage to Pope Francis' international reach and long-term message of unity.

 

Source: ANI, April 25, 2025