kerala-declares-three-day-mourning-on-demise-of-pope-francis

The Kerala government has declared a three-day state mourning to honour the late Pope Francis. The Pope passed away on 21 April at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican.

 

State mourning in Kerala will be observed on 22 and 23 April. An additional day of mourning will be observed on the day of the funeral, which will be announced later.

 

During this period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast wherever it is regularly displayed. There will be no official entertainment. All district collectors have been directed to inform government officers and institutions to comply with the flag protocol.

 

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan paid tribute to the Pope in a post on X. He called him “a beacon of compassion” who stood with the poor and marginalised. He praised the Pope for taking a strong stand against global capitalism and promoting interfaith harmony.

 

“Pope Francis’ legacy will inspire generations striving for justice and equality,” the Chief Minister said.

 

Meanwhile, the Union Government also announced a nationwide three-day mourning as a mark of respect. According to an official notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the mourning will be observed across India on 22 and 23 April. Like in Kerala, a third day of mourning will take place on the day of the funeral.

 

The Home Ministry said, “Three-day State Mourning as a mark of respect on the passing away of His Holiness Pope Francis, Supreme Pontiff of the Holy See.”

 

“As a mark of respect, three-day State Mourning shall be observed throughout India, in the following manner: Two days’ State Mourning on Tuesday, 22 April, and Wednesday, 23 April. One day’s State Mourning on the day of the funeral,” the notification said.

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered his condolences. In a message on X, he expressed sorrow and remembered the Pope’s compassion and spiritual guidance.

 

“Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. In this hour of grief and remembrance, my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community,” the Prime Minister wrote.

 

He said the Pope’s affection for India would always be remembered. “He will be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility and spiritual courage by millions,” Modi added.