National mourning on Saturday. Regulation published in the Journal of Laws

The regulation of the President of the Republic of Poland on the introduction of national mourning on April 26 – on the day of the funeral of Pope Francis – was published in the Journal of Laws. During mourning, the Polish flag is to be lowered to half the mast. Radio, television and newspapers are to take into account the need to celebrate the memory of the Pope.

“By paying tribute and expressing regret in connection with the death of his Holiness of Pope Francis, I manage the introduction of national mourning in the territory of the Republic of Poland on April 26, 2025.” – says the president's regulation.

Pope Francis died on Monday at 7:35 at the age of 88. The cause of death was stroke, coma and irreversible cardiological collapse. The funeral ceremony of Pope Francis will start on Saturday at St. Peter's Square in Vatican at 10 o'clock.

Read also: The president flies to the funeral of the Pope. Announced the national mourning

After the mass, in Saint Peter's Square, the casket with the pope's body will be taken to the Basilica of the Larger Mother, where he will be buried in accordance with his will.

National mourning

Pursuant to the regulation, during the national mourning, the State Flag of the Republic of Poland is left to half the mast, in particular on buildings or in front of buildings, which constitute official headquarters or the place of the session of the state authorities, other state organs and state organizational units, as well as local government bodies and municipal organizational units.

In addition, the public units of radio and television, licensed broadcasters and editors of journals and magazines take into account the need to celebrate the memory of the Pope during national mourning. The regulation enters into force on the day of its announcement.

Mourning will apply from midnight from Friday to Saturday to midnight from Saturday to Sunday.

The legal basis for the introduction of national mourning is the Act on the emblem, colors and anthem of the Republic of Poland and state seals. According to it, national mourning may be introduced by the president by way of a regulation, which should determine the reasons for the introduction and the duration of national mourning, taking into account cultural and historical conditions and customs adopted in this respect.