New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu will attend the state funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican City this week, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.
Murmu will pay a two-day visit to Vatican City beginning Friday.
“President Droupadi Murmu will be visiting Vatican City on April 25 to 26 to attend the state funeral of Pope Francis and offer condolences on behalf of the government and people of India,” the MEA said.
On April 25, the President will lay a wreath at the Basilica of Saint Peter to pay tribute to the late pontiff. She will attend the funeral Mass on April 26 at Saint Peter’s Square, which is expected to be attended by several global leaders and dignitaries, according to a brief statement by the MEA.
Heads of state and royals who have confirmed their attendance 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 Inácio Lula da Silva.
Following Pope Francis’ death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and said the Pope’s affection for the people of India would always be remembered.
On April 22, Minister of State for External Affairs and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh visited the Apostolic Nunciature in New Delhi to sign the condolence book. India has declared three days of state mourning to mark the Pope’s passing.
