The Government of India has announced a three-day period of State Mourning to pay respects to His Holiness Pope Francis, Supreme Pontiff of the Holy See, who passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.
The announcement, made by the Ministry of Home Affairs, underscores India’s recognition of Pope Francis’ global influence as the spiritual leader of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
The State Mourning will be observed across India in the following manner: two days of mourning on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, and Wednesday, April 23, 2025, followed by a third day on the day of Pope Francis’ funeral, the date of which will be announced by the Vatican. During this period, the National Flag will be flown at half-mast on all buildings across the country where it is regularly displayed, and there will be no official entertainment, adhering to the protocols outlined by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Pope Francis, the 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, was a revered figure known for his simplicity, humility, and advocacy for social justice, environmental protection, and interfaith dialogue. His passing marks the end of a significant era for the Catholic Church, which has entered a period of sede vacante (the seat is vacant), as preparations begin for a historic conclave to elect his successor, according to a report by India Today on April 21, 2025. The Vatican is expected to hold a formal procession to transport the Pope’s body to St. Peter’s Basilica, where thousands of worshippers, officials, and international observers will pay their respects.
India’s decision to observe State Mourning aligns with its tradition of honouring global leaders of significant stature.
