Indian President Droupadi Murmu led a high-level delegation to the Vatican to attend the state funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21. The president was accompanied by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State George Kurian, and Goa Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Joshua De Souza.
President Murmu arrived in Rome on April 25 and attended the funeral service held at Saint Peter’s Basilica on April 26. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed her attendance through social media.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier expressed condolences, noting the Pope’s “affection for the people of India.” Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh visited the Holy See Embassy in New Delhi on April 22 to sign the condolence book. India has declared three days of state mourning following the Pope’s death.