Sushma Swaraj to lead Indian delegation for Teresa's canonization

NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will lead the Indian delegation that would attend the canonization ceremony of Mother Teresa in the Vatican City on September 4.

"In view of the importance we attach to canonization of Mother Teresa, Government of India's delegation will be led by the External Affairs Minister. The composition of the delegation is presently being finalised," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said.

Yesterday, a senior Delhi government official had said Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will be travelling to the Vatican as he has accepted the invitation of Missionaries of Charity to attend the event. Kejriwal had worked with Teresa's Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata before he joined the Indian Revenue Service.

According to sources, Kejriwal will be joined by his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee.

Mother Teresa, a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, will be declared a saint by Pope Francis on September 4. The announcement regarding her canonization was made by the Pope in March.