India to observe three-day State mourning following Pope Francis’ death

Pope Francis, history’s first Latin American pontiff who charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor but alienated conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change, died on Monday. He was 88

Hyderabad: Following the demise of religious leader Pope Francis, India has declared a three-day State mourning as a mark of respect. The mourning will be observed across the country on April 22 and 23, and again on the day of the Pope’s funeral.

The Ministry of Home Affairs said in a statement that, “His Holiness Pope Francis, Supreme Pontiff of the Holy See, passed away today on April 21, 2025. As a mark of respect three-day State Mourning shall be observed throughout India in the following manner: Two days’ State Mourning on Tuesday and Wednesday (April 22, 23) and the third day on the day of the funeral.”

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The Indian flag will be flown half-staff on government buildings across the country for the next two days, as well as on the day of the pontiff’s funeral, the Home Ministry added in the statement.

Pope Francis, history’s first Latin American pontiff who charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor but alienated conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change, died on Monday. He was 88.

According to reports, Cardinals will meet at the Vatican Tuesday to begin scheduling Pope Francis’ funeral and burial, planning the conclave to elect his successor and making other decisions about running the Catholic Church.