Minister S.M. Nasar and MLA Inigo Irudayaraj to Represent Tamil Nadu at Pope Francis' Funeral
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Synopsis
Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has appointed Minister S.M. Nasar and MLA Inigo S. Irudayaraj to attend Pope Francis' funeral in Vatican City on Saturday, following a state Assembly resolution honoring the late pontiff.
Key Takeaways
- Minister S.M. Nasar and MLA Inigo S. Irudayaraj to represent Tamil Nadu.
- Pope Francis's funeral to be held in Vatican City.
- State Assembly passed a condolence resolution.
- CM Stalin expressed deep sorrow over the Pope's passing.
- Pope Francis was known for his humanitarian legacy.
Chennai, April 22 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, has assigned Minorities Welfare and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare Minister, S.M. Nasar, along with MLA Inigo S. Irudayaraj, to attend the funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican City, scheduled for Saturday.
The two officials will stand in for the Tamil Nadu government during the final farewell ceremony for the departed pontiff.
This action comes in the wake of the state Assembly adopting a condolence resolution on Tuesday, honoring Pope Francis.
In his condolence message, CM Stalin conveyed his deep sorrow over the Pope’s passing and praised his lasting impact as a transformative leader in global religious and humanitarian spheres.
“Pope Francis was a symbol of compassion and progressive values. His leadership reshaped the Catholic Church, fostering inclusivity, humility, and social justice,” stated the Chief Minister.
Stalin also remarked that Pope Francis advocated for the underprivileged and marginalized, promoted global peace and interfaith dialogue, and instilled moral courage in the highest office of the Catholic Church.
“His dedication to human dignity, environmental care, and bridging religious divides garnered him respect far beyond the Catholic community,” he added.
The Chief Minister acknowledged the global wave of condolences that followed the Pope’s death, highlighting the widespread admiration for his spiritual and humanitarian contributions.
Pope Francis's funeral is set for 8 a.m. (GMT) on Saturday at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, a location of profound personal importance for the pontiff.
This basilica, one of the four principal papal basilicas, has served as a major Marian shrine for over 1,600 years. Pope Francis frequently prayed here, particularly after returning from his various apostolic journeys abroad.
This marks the first papal burial at the basilica since the 17th century, when Pope Clement IX was laid to rest there. The basilica also serves as the final resting place for seven other popes and saints, including Matthew and Jerome, as well as the Renaissance master Gian Lorenzo Bernini and his family.
