President Murmu Pays Respects to Pope Francis in Vatican City; 54 Heads of State to Attend Funeral
Pope Francis: Indian President Droupadi Murmu paid her respects to Pope Francis in Vatican City on Friday. She was accompanied by Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs; George Kurian, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying; and Joshua D'Souza, Deputy Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly. President Murmu is on a two-day official visit to the Vatican, representing India at the Pope's funeral.
Three Days of National Mourning Declared in India
The Indian government has declared three days of national mourning in honor of Pope Francis. During this period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast across the country, and all official entertainment programs will be canceled. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that Pope Francis was considered a symbol of compassion and humility worldwide, and India pays him its deepest respects.
Rahul Gandhi Pays Tribute in New Delhi
Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, also paid tribute to Pope Francis. He visited the Apostolic Nunciature (the Pope's embassy) in New Delhi and offered condolences to Archbishop Leopoldo, the representative for India and Nepal.
54 Heads of State Arrive in Vatican, Including Trump and Zelenskyy
Several prominent leaders have arrived in Vatican City to attend Pope Francis' funeral, including former US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Prince William, King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain, Argentinian President Javier Milei, and Brazilian President Lula da Silva. The Vatican administration reported that delegations from 164 countries have arrived, including 54 heads of state and 12 monarchs.
Tight Security Measures in Place, Huge Crowds Expected
Stringent security measures have been implemented in Vatican City and Rome for Pope Francis' funeral. Approximately 2,500 police officers and 1,500 soldiers have been deployed. Additionally, an armed naval vessel is stationed offshore, and fighter jets are on alert. It is estimated that around 200,000 people may gather in St. Peter's Square, and over 300,000 along the four-kilometer route from the Vatican to the burial site.
Global Wave of Mourning
Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. He is remembered not only for his religious leadership but also as a symbol of compassion and humility. His death has caused a wave of mourning not only within the Christian community but across the globe.
