Interior Ministry: State Flags Be Lowered to Half-mast until State Mourning Ends

Bratislava, April 23 (TASR) - State flags will fly at half-mast until the end of the state mourning in Slovakia, Interior Minister Matus Sutaj Estok (Voice-SD) has decided in connection with the government's declaration of state mourning in response to the death of Pope Francis, Interior Ministry spokesman Matej Neumann informed TASR on Wednesday. The government earlier in the day approved a day of state mourning for Saturday (April 26), the day of the Pope's funeral. "The declaration of state mourning is an expression of great respect for this significant figure, and we will contribute to his dignified commemoration in Slovakia," stated the ministry. In connection with the death of the Holy Father, the ministry on Monday (April 21) called on all state authorities, institutions, and local government bodies to lower their flags as a sign of commemoration. The state mourning will be in place from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday. Pope Francis died on Monday 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. Slovakia will be represented there by President Peter Pellegrini and figures from the Slovak Catholic Church. ko/df