The Delhi government has delayed the launch of electric buses under the Dedicated Electric Vehicle Integration (DEVI) scheme due to the national mourning declared by the Government of India following the demise of Pope Francis, as informed by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday. "Dear Delhiites, due to the national mourning declared by the Government of India on the demise of His Holiness Pope Francis, the launch of electric buses under the DEVI scheme has been postponed. The new date will be announced soon," CM Gupta said in a post on X on Tuesday. Earlier, CM Gupta had mentioned, "On this #EarthDay, we are taking a transformative step towards a greener future with the launch of 330 new electric buses under the #DEVI initiative - Dedicated Electric Vehicle Integration." The post further stated, "This is our sincere effort to make Delhi's journey cleaner, safer, and more sustainable for generations to come. Join us today as we celebrate this historic milestone. Your support matters - together, let's drive Delhi towards a greener and healthier tomorrow!"

Meanwhile, the Kerala government has declared a three-day state mourning on the passing of Pope Francis. A two-day state mourning will be observed on April 22 and April 23, with an additional one-day state mourning on the day of the funeral, which will be communicated separately. The national flag will fly at half-mast where it is regularly displayed, and no official entertainment will take place during the period of mourning. District collectors have also been instructed to notify the concerned officers to fly the national flag at half-mast where applicable.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed that Pope Francis was "a beacon of compassion who stood with the poor and marginalized, took a critical stance against global capitalism, and championed interfaith dialogue." He added, "Pope Francis' legacy will inspire generations striving for justice and equality."

The entire country has also declared a three-day mourning as a mark of respect, according to an official notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The mourning will be observed on April 22 and 23, and again on the day of the Pope's funeral. Pope Francis (88) passed away at his residence, Casa Santa Marta, in the Vatican on April 21. The Home Ministry stated, "Three-Day State Mourning as a mark of respect on the passing away of His Holiness Pope Francis, Supreme Pontiff of the Holy See."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the Pope's death, stating that Pope Francis' "affection for the people of India will always be cherished." "Deeply pained by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. In this hour of grief and remembrance, my heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community. Pope Francis will always be remembered as a beacon of compassion, humility, and spiritual courage by millions across the world. From a young age, he devoted himself towards realizing the ideals of Lord Christ. He diligently served the poor and downtrodden. For those who were suffering, he ignited a spirit of hope," PM Modi said on X.