India Declares 3-Day Mourning as World Grieves Pope Francis’ Passing

India Honors Pope Francis with Three-Day National Mourning

In a significant gesture of international respect, the Government of India has declared a three-day state mourning following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at 88 years old. The beloved pontiff, who made history as the first non-European leader of the Catholic Church in nearly 1,300 years, died on April 21, leaving a global legacy of compassion and spiritual leadership.

The Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed that the nation will observe official mourning on Tuesday and Wednesday (April 22-23), with an additional day to be observed on the date of the Pope’s funeral. During this period, the national flag will fly at half-mast throughout the country, and all official entertainment events have been canceled.

PM Modi Shares Personal Memories of the Pontiff

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his profound grief at the Pope’s passing. In his heartfelt message, Modi described Pope Francis as “a symbol of compassion and spiritual courage” whose impact extended far beyond the Catholic faith.

“He will be remembered for his service to the poor and marginalized and for igniting hope among the suffering. His affection for the people of India will always be cherished,” wrote the Prime Minister, highlighting the special connection the pontiff maintained with India throughout his papacy.

Modi also recalled his personal meeting with Pope Francis during the G7 Summit in Italy, describing the encounter as “deeply inspiring” – a rare personal detail that offers insight into the diplomatic and spiritual relationship between India’s leadership and the Vatican.

A Pioneering Papacy That Changed the Catholic Church

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Francis made history when he was elected as the 266th pontiff in 2013, becoming the first Pope from the Americas and the first non-European to lead the Catholic Church since the 8th century. His papacy was marked by efforts to modernize church positions, advocate for environmental protection, and extend compassion to marginalized communities.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar joined the chorus of tributes, emphasizing the Pope’s kindness and global vision that transcended religious boundaries. The widespread mourning in predominantly Hindu India demonstrates the universal respect Pope Francis commanded across different faiths and cultures.

Vatican Begins Traditional Mourning Period Before Selecting New Pope

The Vatican has initiated its traditional nine-day mourning period, known as “Novendiale,” following the Pope’s death. This solemn period includes special masses and rituals honoring the deceased pontiff before cardinals from around the world will gather in a secretive conclave to elect his successor.

The passing of Pope Francis marks the end of a transformative era for the Catholic Church, during which he worked to make the institution more inclusive, environmentally conscious, and focused on the needs of the poor and vulnerable. His legacy of humility and compassion has left an indelible mark on both religious and secular communities worldwide.

As India observes its official days of mourning, Catholics across the country – numbering approximately 20 million – will be joined by citizens of all faiths in remembering a global spiritual leader who sought to build bridges between different religions and cultures throughout his groundbreaking papacy.

The official date of Pope Francis’ funeral has yet to be announced, but as per Vatican tradition, it will likely take place within 4-6 days of his passing. When confirmed, India will observe its third day of state mourning, continuing to honor the pontiff who once described India as “a land of harmony between different religions.”