Gov't: Slovakia to Hold Day of State Mourning for Pope Francis on Saturday

Bratislava, April 23 (TASR) - Slovakia will hold a day of state mourning on Saturday (April 26) in response to the death of Pope Francis, who had an extraordinary influence on public life in Slovakia. The government passed Premier Robert Fico's proposal to declare the state mourning at its session on Wednesday. It will be in place from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, and state flags should be lowered on that day. "Pope Francis' exceptional visit to Slovakia in 2021 left a message that had a significant impact on the public life of the whole of society. The declaration of state mourning is an expression of great respect for this significant figure and will contribute to his dignified commemoration in Slovakia," reads the proposal. Pope Francis died on Monday (April 21) morning at the age of 88. He had been the head of the Catholic Church since March 2013. The funeral of the Holy Father will take place on St. Peter's Square at the Vatican at 10 a.m. on Saturday (April 26). Slovakia will be represented there by President Peter Pellegrini and figures from the Slovak Catholic Church. ko/df