Friday, April 8 2005 13:06 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Vatican City: Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat today (Apr 8, 2005) joined world leaders and millions of faithful in paying homage to Pope John Paul II at the funeral in Vatican City.

Shekhawat said that he had come to the Vatican on a mournful and solemn pilgrimage to pay respectful homage on behalf of the Government of India and on his personal behalf to the Pontiff "who was an apostle of peace and harmony and a champion of human dignity of the world's poor and downtrodden".

"The Pope belonged to the entire humanity, yet, India was very close to his heart. In 1986 and 1999, the Pope visited India twice to have deeper understanding of India's civilisational ethos. He had great affection and regard for Mother Teresa of India. When she was consecrated as a Saint by the Pope, this rare gesture moved the people of our country," he said.

Accompanying Shekhawat, who is leading the Indian delegation to the Holy Father's funeral, were Minister for Tribal Affairs and North-East Development P R Kyndiah, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Oscar Fernandes, former Minister of State for External Affairs and former Members of Parliament Margaret Alva and Mabel Rebello and two Kerala Ministers K M Mani and K V Thomas.

Three cardinals, several Archbishops, Bishops, clergy and others from India were also present on the solemn occasion.