The Indian government has declared a three-day state mourning to honor the passing of Pope Francis, who died on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. Pope Francis, the first non-European pontiff in nearly 1,300 years, was widely regarded for his progressive views and global outreach.
In an official statement, the Ministry of Home Affairs said,
“His Holiness Pope Francis, Supreme Pontiff of the Holy See, passed away on April 21. As a mark of respect, three-day state mourning shall be observed throughout India.”
According to the ministry’s schedule, state mourning will be observed on April 22 (Tuesday) and April 23 (Wednesday), with an additional day of mourning to be observed on the day of the Pope’s funeral.
During this period:
- The national flag will be flown at half-mast on all buildings where it is regularly hoisted.
- No official entertainment or celebrations will be permitted across the country.
Regional Leaders Join in Mourning
Messages of grief and condolences have poured in from across India’s political and religious spectrum, as leaders paid tribute to the Pope’s legacy of peace, compassion, and unity. Many highlighted his contributions to interfaith dialogue and his efforts to address climate change, poverty, and inequality.
India, home to one of the world’s largest Christian populations outside the West, has maintained warm diplomatic and cultural relations with the Vatican. Pope Francis had earlier visited India in 2023, where he was received with great honor by the Indian leadership and the Catholic community.
Further details regarding the Pope’s funeral and India’s representation at the ceremony are awaited.
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