On Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, news of the death of Pope Francis spread around the world. The leader of the Catholic Church died at 7:35 a.m. at the Domus Sanctae Marthae. In response to this event, President Andrzej Duda declared a national day of mourning on the day of the funeral – April 26. It is the first such decision in Poland since the death of John Paul II in 2005.
Decisions on participation in the ceremonies
President Andrzej Duda and Speaker of the Sejm Szymon Hołownia will take part in the Vatican funeral ceremonies scheduled for Saturday, April 26. Senate Marshal Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska will remain in the country instead. According to the announcement, the decision results from national security needs in the context of the current unstable geopolitical situation.
Security as the priority
The government stresses that the simultaneous departure of all the highest-ranking officials could create a gap in the continuity of power. In accordance with procedures, at least one representative of state authorities must remain on the territory of the Republic of Poland.
The significance of Pope Francis for Poland
Although the pope came from Argentina, his ties with Poland were special. In 2016 he presided over the World Youth Day in Kraków.
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