President Droupadi Murmu will visit Vatican City from April 25 to 26, 2025, to attend the state funeral of His Holiness Pope Francis and to offer condolences on behalf of the people and the Government of India, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Thursday.
According to the official statement, President Murmu will lay a wreath at the Basilica of Saint Peter on April 25 as a mark of respect, followed by her attendance at the funeral Mass on April 26 at Saint Peter’s Square.
“President Droupadi Murmu will be visiting Vatican City on 25–26 April 2025 to attend the State Funeral of His Holiness Pope Francis and offer condolences on behalf of the Government and people of India,” the MEA said.
World Leaders to Attend Funeral of Pope Francis
The funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away earlier this month, is expected to draw an extraordinary global turnout. The Vatican confirmed that over 130 foreign delegations will be attending, including 50 heads of state and 10 reigning monarchs.
Among the notable dignitaries expected at the ceremony are U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Russian Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky along with First Lady Olena Zelenska.
The state funeral will be held at Saint Peter’s Square and is set to be one of the most significant global gatherings of leaders in recent times, reflecting the Pope’s profound global influence and legacy.
President Murmu’s presence underscores India’s commitment to interfaith harmony and its recognition of the Pope’s efforts toward peace, humanitarian causes, and global dialogue.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)