New Delhi, 25 April (IANS). President Draupadi Murmu, who reached the Vatican City to attend the state funeral of Pope Francis, paid tribute to the late Pope on Friday.
“President Draupadi Murmu paid tribute to the Holiness Pope Francis in Basilica of St. Peter in Vatican City,” said in a post from the President’s account on the social media platform X. “
Earlier, President Murmu reached the Vatican City to attend the state funeral of Pope Francis along with Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju.
The delegation also includes Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurien and Deputy Chairman of Goa Legislative Assembly Joshua de Suja.
Pope Francis died on 21 April at the age of 88.
During her visit, President Murmu will represent India at the state funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday and express condolences on the government and the people of India.
The Ministry of External Affairs said that the President will attend the mass funeral at St. Peter Square in Vatican City on 26 April, which is expected to attend several global leaders and dignitaries.
The Vatican said on Thursday that at least 130 foreign delegations confirmed the Pope Francis to attend the funeral, including 50 heads of state and 10 royal families.
The heads of heads and royal houses have confirmed their presence include US President Donald Trump, Prince William of Britain, French President Emmanuel Macron, Spain’s king Felip VI and Queen Letizia and Brazilian President Luiz Eneasio Lula Dr. Silva.
After the demise of Pope Francis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and said that the affection of the Pope towards the people of India will always be remembered.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on ‘X’, “I am deeply saddened by the demise of Param Pujya Pope Francis. In this hour of sorrow and remembrance, my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community. Pope Francis will always remember Pope Francis as a symbol of compassion, humility and spiritual courage. He had given himself to themselves from a young age. He served the poor and the underprivileged.
He wrote, “I remember my meetings with him and have been very inspired by his commitment to inclusive and all -round development. His affection for the people of India will always be cherished. His soul should be peaceful in the lap of God.”
-IANS
SCH/Ekde
