By the decision of President Andrzej Duda, the day of Pope Francis’ funeral will be observed as a day of national mourning, as announced by Wojciech Kolarski, Head of the Presidential International Policy Bureau. The Presidential Couple will attend the Pope’s funeral in the Vatican.
Pope Francis passed away on Monday at 7:35 a.m. at the age of 88. The cause of death was a stroke that led to a coma and irreversible circulatory failure. Last evening, a rosary prayer for the deceased Holy Father was held in St. Peter’s Square, attended by thousands of people from around the world. At 8:00 p.m., the official declaration of death and the placement of the Pope’s body in a coffin took place in the Chapel of Saint Martha.
The funeral ceremonies for Pope Francis will begin this coming Saturday at 10:00 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican. Following the Mass in the square, the Pope’s coffin will be transported to the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where he will be buried in accordance with his wishes.
Saturday Declared a Day of National Mourning
During the press conference, Wojciech Kolarski, Head of the Presidential International Policy Bureau, announced that the Presidential Couple would attend the funeral ceremonies of the Pope in the Vatican.
Furthermore, the upcoming Saturday will be observed as a day of national mourning in Poland.
“In connection with the death of the Holy Father, President Andrzej Duda has decided to declare the day of the funeral – April 26 – a day of national mourning,” stated Wojciech Kolarski.