President Droupadi Murmu Honors Pope Francis
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Synopsis
On April 25, President Droupadi Murmu honored Pope Francis in Vatican City as she attended his state funeral. She represented India while offering condolences to the global Catholic community and recognized the Pope’s significant contributions.
Key Takeaways
- President Droupadi Murmu paid respects to Pope Francis.
- She represented India at the state funeral in Vatican City.
- Pope Francis passed away at age 88 on April 21.
- Numerous global leaders are expected to attend the funeral.
- Prime Minister Modi shared heartfelt condolences.
New Delhi, April 25 (NationPress) President Droupadi Murmu, who was present in Vatican City to attend the state funeral of Pope Francis, paid her respects to the deceased pontiff on Friday.
In a post on her X handle, she stated, “President Droupadi Murmu paid homage to His Holiness Pope Francis at the Basilica of Saint Peter in Vatican City.”
Earlier that day, President Murmu, accompanied by the Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, arrived in Vatican City for the state funeral.
The delegation also featured the Minister of State for Minority Affairs and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, George Kurian, and the Deputy Speaker of the Goa Assembly, Joshua De Souza.
Pope Francis passed away on April 21 at the age of 88.
During this visit, President Murmu is set to represent India at the state funeral and extend condolences on behalf of the government and the people of India, as highlighted by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement on Thursday.
The President will be present at the Mass funeral on April 26 in Saint Peter's Square, which is anticipated to be attended by numerous global leaders and dignitaries, according to the MEA.
The Vatican announced on Thursday that at least 130 foreign delegations had confirmed their presence at Pope Francis' funeral, including 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs.
Confirmed attendees include US President Donald Trump, UK's Prince William, French President Emmanuel Macron, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Following the passing of Pope Francis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, stating that the Pope's love for the people of India will be remembered.
“Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. In this hour of grief and remembrance, my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community. Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility, and spiritual courage by millions around the world. From a young age, he dedicated himself to realizing the ideals of Lord Christ. He diligently served the poor and downtrodden, igniting a spirit of hope for those suffering,” PM Modi stated in a post on X.
“I fondly remember my interactions with him and was greatly inspired by his dedication to inclusive and comprehensive development. His affection for the people of India will always be cherished. May his soul find eternal peace in God's embrace,” the Prime Minister concluded.
