H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco has declared a period of national mourning in the Principality, which will span three days, from Thursday, April 24th to Saturday, April 26th, the day of the funeral of His Holiness Pope Francis. This solemn occasion marks the passing of a figure who was beloved by millions worldwide and whose loss has left an indelible mark on the global community.
In a sign of reverence, the Sovereign Prince has ordered flags to be flown at half-mast on all public buildings throughout Monaco. This gesture began on Monday, April 21st, and continues until the conclusion of the funeral. During this time, public buildings will also remain unlit as a mark of respect for Pope Francis’s life and legacy.
As part of the mourning process, a minute of silence will be observed on Friday, April 25th, at 11:00 a.m. A siren will signal this moment of reflection, inviting everyone in the Principality to pause and honour the Pope’s memory.
While the Principality will pay its respects, public services—including schools—and the private sector will remain open during this period of mourning. This ensures that daily life continues while the people of Monaco come together to grieve and reflect.
In his decree, Prince Albert II expressed his profound sorrow at the passing of Pope Francis, acknowledging the deep emotional impact felt not only within Monaco but by the faithful worldwide. The loss of the Pope has been met with an outpouring of grief, and His Serene Highness has emphasized the significance of this moment for the people of Monaco who together hold the Pope in high esteem.
The national mourning period will offer the citizens of Monaco an opportunity to collectively honourPope Francis’s legacy, with the Principality standing in solidarity with the global community during this moment of loss.
Pope Francis
The Pope, the head of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, died at his home in the Vaticanon Monday aged 88 after a stroke. He had been recovering from double pneumonia.
His coffin will be taken to St Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning in a procession led by cardinals. He will remain there until 7pm on Friday, to allow the public to pay their respects. The basilica will remain open until midnight on Wednesday and Thursday.
As confirmed by Pope Francis in his final testament, he will be buried at the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome’s Esquilino neighbourhood, breaking with longstanding Vatican tradition.
