New Delhi: In a solemn gesture of respect and reverence, the Government of India has announced a three-day state mourning following the passing of Pope Francis, the beloved head of the Roman Catholic Church. As the world grapples with the loss of a towering spiritual figure, tributes have poured in from every corner of the globe, reflecting the Pontiff’s extraordinary influence across faiths and frontiers.
Flags will fly at half-mast across all government buildings in India, and no official entertainment will be held during this period, as per the Ministry of Home Affairs. The gesture underscores India's recognition of Pope Francis not just as a religious leader but as a global moral compass who championed peace, inclusion, and humanity.
Pope Francis, known for his humility and progressive approach to traditional dogmas, breathed his last in the Vatican earlier today. His papacy was marked by groundbreaking positions on climate change, economic inequality, and interfaith dialogue — stances that resonated deeply in India, home to the second-largest Catholic population in Asia.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound sorrow, stating, “Pope Francis was a beacon of compassion in a turbulent world. His voice for the poor, the displaced, and the environment has left an indelible mark on global consciousness. India joins the world in mourning this irreplaceable loss.”
Leaders of religious communities, civil society groups, and Indian Christians alike have expressed grief, recalling the Pope's 2019 visit to Abu Dhabi where he called for religious tolerance — a message that reverberated across South Asia.
Candlelight vigils and prayer meetings are being organized by churches and Christian organizations across the country. In Kerala, Goa, and the Northeast — regions with significant Catholic populations — emotional scenes unfolded as thousands gathered to pay homage to the Pontiff who many viewed as a “Pope of the People.”
As Vatican prepares for the final rites, the world reflects on a legacy that transcended religious borders. Pope Francis may have departed this world, but his message of mercy, justice, and hope will continue to illuminate hearts — in Rome, in India, and far beyond.