New Delhi: The centre declared three days of mourning as respect for Pope Francis.
According to a government statement, two days of national mourning will be observed on Tuesday and Wednesday, and one day of mourning will be observed on the funeral day.
“During mourning, the flag will be hung on half of the masts nationwide, during which time the flag will be hung regularly, and no official entertainment program will be held during this period,” the Union Home Office said in a statement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was deeply distressed by the death of Pope Francis, adding that he will always be remembered by millions of beacons of sympathy and spiritual courage around the world.
“One hour of grief and memorial, my heartfelt condolences to the Catholic community around the world,” he said in an article on X.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said: “The world feels sad about the death of Pope Francis, who will be regarded as a great significance for future generations.”
Meanwhile, the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CBCI) announced on Monday that it would observe nine days of mourning and prayer. “The Council of Catholic Bishops of India (CBCI) expresses deep sorrow and profound sorrow for the death of St. Peter’s 266th successor Pope Francis,” the CBCI is India’s largest Christian church institution.
