I will attend the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican on Saturday (April 26), President Peter Pellegrini announced after signing the book of condolences for the Pope's death, adding that representatives of the Catholic Church will travel with him in the government aircraft.
"We will be a very small delegation. It is not yet sure if someone from Parliament or the government will accompany me. We'll conclude this in the next few moments," said Pellegrini, adding that he'll remember the Pope as a good man and also for the great gestures that he was able to make during his time in office.
On Wednesday at the regular cabinet meeting, the government will decide on declaring Saturday April 26 as a day of mourning in Slovakia. Premier Robert Fico submitted the proposal for discussion.
"Pope Francis's extraordinary 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 a sign of great respect for this important figure and will contribute to a dignified commemoration in Slovakia," reads the proposal.
The Prime Minister proposes declaring state mourning on Saturday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. State flags would be flown at half-mast on this day.
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.
Source: TASR
