Sushma to lead Indian delegation at Mother Teresa's canonisation

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will lead the Indian delegation to the canonisation of Mother Teresa at the Vatican in September, it was announced on Thursday.

"In view of the importance we attach to this very significant event, the canonisation of Mother Teresa, let me tell you that the government of India's delegation will be led by honourable External Affairs Minister herself," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said in his weekly media briefing here.

He said that composition of the delegation was still being finalised and will be known a few days later.

Pope Francis will declare Mother Teresa a saint at the Vatican on September 4.

The date was announced on March 15 in what is called an "ordinary public consistory" or a meeting of the Pope, cardinals and promoters of sainthood causes that formally ends the sainthood process.

The day chosen for Mother Teresa's canonisation is the eve of her 19th death anniversary and the date previously established by the Vatican for the conclusion of the Year of Mercy pilgrimage of people like her who are engaged in works of mercy.

--IANS

ab/vt