President Murmu pays homage to Pope Francis

President Droupadi Murmu on Friday paid homage to Pope Francis at the Basilica of St Peter in Vatican city. Francis, who was the first non-European Pope in nearly 1,300 years, died on Monday. He was 88. His funeral will be held on Saturday.External Affairs Ministry said in a statement that President will pay homage to Pope Francis by laying a wreath at Basilica of Saint Peter. President Murmu will attend the funeral Mass which will be attended by dignitaries from around the world. Pope Francis passed away on 21st of this month.Murmu was also accompanied by union ministers Kiren Rijiju and George Kurian.
The Government of India had announced a three-day state mourning as a mark of respect on the passing away of Pope Francis, Supreme Pontiff of the Holy See. Two days' state mourning was observed on April 22 and April 23, while one day's state mourning will be observed on the day of the funeral.