India announces 3-day state mourning for Pope Francis, flag will fly at half-mast

The Indian government has announced three days of state mourning over the death of Pope Francis. The Ministry of Home Affairs announced the decision, saying, His Holiness Pope Francis, Supreme Pontiff of the Holy See, passed away on April 21. As a mark of respect, three-day state mourning shall be observed throughout India.

The mourning period will be for two days on April 22 and 23 and an extra day on the day of Pope Francis's funeral. All official entertainment activities across India will be suspended during this period. The national flag will be flown at half-mast on all buildings where it is regularly hoisted.



Pope Francis died on Monday. He was 88 years old. He was the first non-European pope in almost 1,300 years.

With his demise, a sede vacante (the seat being vacant) has been declared in the Catholic Church. In a 15-20 day span, a new Pope is likely to be chosen..