Following the passing of Pope John Paul II, Croatia proclaimed three days of mourning; the Croatian government will do the same with Pope Francis.

The government of Ivo Sanader designated April 4 and 5, along with the day of his funeral on April 8, to be days of mourning in the Republic of Croatia following the death of Holy Father Pope John Paul II on April 2, 2005.

On Saturday, April 26, the day of Pope Francis’ burial, the government will celebrate a day of mourning in the wake of his passing.

What is a mourning day?

The country’s flag must be flown at half-mast on all buildings housing state authorities, local and regional self-government bodies, legal entity headquarters, or places where individuals conduct their own independent activities on the Day of Mourning.

Entertainment events are prohibited on the day of mourning, and organisations that operate radio and television must modify their programming to accommodate the day of grief, particularly by airing shows that are naturally suitable for the occasion.