Mapusa MLA part of Indian delegation attending Pope’s funeral in Vatican

Panaji: Deputy speaker and Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza arrived in Italy as part of the Indian delegation that will attend the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican City on Saturday at St Peter’s Square. D’Souza is attending the funeral following a special invitation extended by the office of the President of India.
D’Souza flew with President Droupadi Murmu as part of the official delegation that includes minister of parliamentary affairs Kiran Rijiju and minister of state for fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying, and minority affairs George Kurian.
“It is an honour to be part of the official Indian delegation led by President Droupadi Murmu to Vatican City to attend the state funeral of Pope Francis,” said D’Souza. He said that he was humbled to represent India at the funeral.
The funeral is expected to be attended by several world leaders, heads of state, royals, and dignitaries from across the globe.
The funeral will begin around 1.30pm IST and will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, and concelebrated by other senior Vatican officials.
After the Mass, Pope Francis’ coffin will be moved to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, as per his final wishes.
Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, Archbishop of Goa and Daman, has flown to Rome to attend the funeral, and he will remain there for the election of the next pope.