Tue Apr 22 06:40:00 UTC 2025: ## India Observes Three-Day State Mourning for Pope Francis
**NEW DELHI, INDIA** – India is observing a three-day state mourning period from April 22nd to 24th to honor the late Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21st at the age of 88. The national flag will fly at half-mast on all government buildings, and official entertainment will be suspended during this time.
The Pope’s death has sparked widespread grief globally. He was widely revered as a symbol of social justice, compassion, and humility. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, remembering Pope Francis as an “embodiment of compassion and spiritual courage.”
Tributes poured in from across the Indian political spectrum. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the Pope’s compassion and commitment to building a better world. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh lauded his service to the poor and marginalized. Chief Ministers Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal) and Siddaramaiah (Karnataka) described his passing as an irreparable loss to humanity and a message of love and hope, respectively. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi also offered condolences, remembering the Pope as a champion of religious harmony and a global voice for peace and justice.
Pope Francis, the first non-European Pope in nearly 1300 years, implemented significant reforms within the Church and consistently championed the cause of the underprivileged. His legacy of service and advocacy continues to resonate deeply with millions worldwide. Funeral arrangements are underway at St. Peter’s Basilica, with a nine-day period of public mourning planned before the funeral, which will take place within six days. The Pope was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on December 17, 1936.
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