Ritratt: Viktoria Nikolla

The Maltese government has announced two days of national mourning following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away today at the age of 88.

In a press statement issued today, the government declared tomorrow, Tuesday 22 April 2025, as an initial day of mourning for the late pontiff. Additionally, the day of Pope Francis’ funeral, expected to occur between Thursday and Saturday this week, will be observed as a second day of national mourning.

“Pope Francis was the leader of the Catholic Church and a symbol of social justice and peace for the peoples of the whole world,” the government statement read. “The Government urges all Maltese and Gozitan people to join in this final tribute of respect by observing these days of mourning.”

On both designated days, flags on all public buildings and offices across the Maltese islands will be flown at half-mast. The government has also confirmed that all public functions and government activities will be cancelled on the day of the funeral.

The first stage of Pope Francis’ funeral rites begins tonight at 8pm in the Vatican, with Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell presiding over the solemn ceremony declaring the Pope’s death. This intimate service will take place in the chapel of Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican hotel where Francis chose to reside throughout his papacy.

The Holy See Press Office has announced that the Pope’s body may be transferred to St Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning for public viewing, allowing the faithful to pay their final respects before the funeral Mass, which will be presided over by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re.

In a break with tradition, Pope Francis revised his own funeral rites to reflect his lifelong commitment to humility. His body will lie in a simple wooden coffin rather than the traditional three interlocking coffins, and he has chosen to be buried at Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome rather than in the Vatican grottoes beneath St Peter’s Basilica.

The 138 eligible cardinals are expected to enter conclave to elect Francis’ successor within 15 to 20 days of his death.