Pope Francis funeral/National mourning day for the late pontiff, Romanian flag flown at half-mast

Romania observes on Saturday a day of mourning in honor of Pope Francis, following a government decision to this effect.

‘We approve a day of national mourning in Romania in memory of His Holiness Pope Francis, to be observed on Saturday, April 26, the very day of his funeral at the Vatican. It is a decision that shows our deep respect for his complete openness and the warmth he has constantly shown to Romanians. Like any Christian, I felt that his presence was a blessing for all of humanity,’ the prime minister said in the beginning of the government meeting.

On Saturday, all central and local public institutions and authorities fly the Romanian flag at half-mast.

The Romanian flag will also be half-mast at the headquarters of political parties, trade unions, employers’ associations, educational institutions of all levels, cultural institutions and diplomatic missions of Romania; at border crossing points, as well as in airports, ports, train and bus stations; on ships of any kind and on any other vessels sailing under the Romanian flag. The same obligation applies to individuals, if they fly the Romanian flag at home or at their residence.

Radio and television broadcasters, as well as cultural institutions, are required to adapt their programs accordingly.

Pope Francis, who died on Monday at the age of 88, will be laid to rest on Saturday morning in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in central Rome, following a funeral held in St. Peters Square in the Vatican. AGERPRES (RO – writing by: Georgiana Tanăsescu; EN – writing by: Simona Klodnischi)