President Droupadi Murmu’s attendance at the State Funeral of Pope Francis has sparked not only a wave of international condolences but also a noticeable rise in demand for religious goods in India. Accompanied by Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju, Minister of State for Minority Affairs, Shri George Kurian, and Deputy Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, Shri Joshua De Souza, President Murmu arrived in Rome on April 25 and participated in the solemn funeral on April 26.
The passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, led to three days of State Mourning declared by the Indian government, as citizens and leaders across the country paid tribute. Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his heartfelt condolences, highlighting the Pope’s significant connection to India. This period of mourning has also led to an uptick in consumer purchases of religious memorabilia, from rosaries to candles, reflecting the emotional response across communities.
