Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma will attend the funeral of Pope Francis at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, as confirmed by an official.
The funeral service for Pope Francis is scheduled for Saturday at 10 am, following an announcement by the College of Cardinals.
“The chief minister has arrived in New Delhi and is en route to the Vatican to participate in the funeral service,” the official shared.
Sangma previously had the opportunity to meet Pope Francis during a visit to the Vatican in 2022.
The ceremony is expected to see global dignitaries in attendance, including U.S. President Donald Trump.
In honour of the Pope’s passing, the Christian-majority state of Meghalaya has declared a period of state mourning.
Archbishop of Shillong, Rev. Victor Lyngdoh, has issued guidelines for parishes and Catholic institutions to observe during this solemn time.
Additionally, a special mass was held at the Cathedral Church on Tuesday, bringing together the faithful to pray for the departed leader.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff and one of the oldest leaders in the Catholic Church’s history, passed away on April 21.