President Murmu Leaves for Vatican City to Attend Pope Francis’s State Funeral

New Delhi : President Droupadi Murmu departed for Vatican City this morning to attend the state funeral of Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, who passed away recently. President Murmu’s visit underscores India’s respect for Pope Francis and its commitment to fostering diplomatic relations with the Vatican.

Accompanied by a delegation, the President’s two-day visit to Vatican City will be marked by participation in the solemn funeral ceremony of Pope Francis. The delegation includes Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurian, and Deputy Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly Joshua De Souza. The visit aims to pay tribute to the late Pope, who was widely respected for his contributions to peace, human rights, and interfaith dialogue.

During the visit, President Murmu is expected to meet with several high-ranking Vatican officials and engage in discussions focused on strengthening bilateral ties between India and the Vatican. These discussions are likely to focus on areas such as interfaith harmony, humanitarian work, and the promotion of peace globally.

Pope Francis, who served as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church from 2013 until his passing, was known for his advocacy of social justice, environmental protection, and global peace. His leadership left a profound impact on the Catholic community and beyond, as he worked tirelessly to bridge divides and promote understanding among different cultures and religions.

President Murmu’s attendance at the state funeral is a reflection of India’s deep respect for Pope Francis and the Vatican. It also highlights the importance of India’s relationship with the Holy See, which has historically focused on cooperation in areas such as education, healthcare, and humanitarian assistance. The Indian government has expressed its condolences over the loss of Pope Francis, noting that his passing marks the end of an era for the Catholic Church.

The state funeral, expected to be attended by heads of state, religious leaders, and dignitaries from across the globe, will provide an opportunity for the world to pay its respects to the Pope. President Murmu’s participation reaffirms India’s standing as a global leader in fostering dialogue between faiths and nations.