Meghalaya, like the rest of the country, is observing three days of state mourning as a mark of respect to the passing away of Pope Francis.
According to a government notification, the first two days of state mourning will be on April 22 and 23 and the third on the day of the funeral, i.e. this Saturday.
During the period of state mourning, the National Flag will be flown at half mast throughout the state where it is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment.
Meanwhile, the Shillong All Faiths Forum (SAFF) has condoled the passing away of the pontiff.
In a statement issued here today, Noor Nongrum, SAFF general secretary, said that Pope Francis will be remembered for encouraging solidarity among Catholics and people of other faiths in his call for interreligious dialogues to build bridges of friendship between all peoples towards the goal of avoiding differences and divisions which lead to violence.
Moreover, the Khasi Jaintia Christian Leaders Forum (KJCLF), while condoling Pope Francis’s death, stated that under his leadership significant achievements were realised.
“His life and ministry have tremendously impacted from small groups and congregations to global communities – religious and secular,” Rev Edwin H Kharkongor, KJCLF secretary, said.
According to the KJCLF, on the pan-ecumenical canvas historic events have been achieved by the Pope in his engagements with leaders of different Christian traditions.
“This global Servant of the Lord will be greatly missed by one and all. May the examples of tolerance, concern for the poor and the minors in society, respect, love and humility be emulated by all the faithfuls of different societies in the world today,” the forum added.
