India announces three-day mourning on passing of Pope Francis

India announces three-day mourning on passing of Pope Francis

mangaloretoday.com

New Delhi, April 21, 2025: The central government of India on Monday announced a three-day state mourning as a mark of respect for the passing of Pope Francis, of these, two days will be observed on April 22 and 23, and the third on the pontiff’s funeral day.

The pontiff, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, died at the age of 88, the Vatican announced in a video statement on Monday. In his 12-year-long papacy, the Pope suffered various ailments.

The Ministry of Home Affairs, in a statement, 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."

As per the schedule, the two days of state mourning will be April 22, Tuesday, and April 23, Wednesday. The third day of state mourning will be observed on the day of Pope Francis’ funeral, the statement added.

During this period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast throughout India on all buildings where the Tricolour is flown regularly, and there will be no official entertainment.