Indian President Droupadi Murmu paid homage to Pope Francis in the Vatican City, where his funeral will be held on Saturday.
Murmu is visiting Vatican City from April 25 to April 26 to attend the state funeral of Pope Francis.
Pope Francis died on April 21. He was 88.
The official X handle of the Indian President said: “President Droupadi Murmu paid homage to His Holiness Pope Francis at Basilica of Saint Peter in Vatican City.”
The Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement: “On 25 April, President will pay homage to His Holiness Pope Francis by laying a wreath at Basilica of Saint Peter in Vatican City. On 26 April, President will attend the funeral Mass of His Holiness Pope Francis at Saint Peter’s Square in Vatican City, which will be attended by dignitaries from around the world.”
Embassy of Holy See
Indian Minister of State for External Affairs and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Kirti Vardhan Singh had visited the Apostolic Nunciature (Embassy of the Holy See) in New Delhi on April 22, 2025 to sign the condolence book.
Earlier, India declared three days of State Mourning on the passing of Pope Francis.
Narendra Modi’s reaction
Narendra Modi on Monday wrote on X that he was deeply saddened by the death of Pope Francis.
In his condolence message, Modi wrote: “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 across the world. From a young age, he devoted himself towards realising the ideals of Lord Christ. He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope,” he said.
“I fondly recall my meetings with him and was greatly inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all-round development. His affection for the people of India will always be cherished. May his soul find eternal peace in God’s embrace,” he said.
Modi also shared several images of his previous meeting with the Pope.
