On Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, the world heard about the death of Pope Francis. The leader of the Catholic Church died at 7:35 p.m. in the Holy House of Martha. In response to this event, President Andrzej Duda announced national mourning on the day of the funeral – April 26. This is the first such decision in Poland since the death of John Paul II in 2005.
Decisions of the authorities on participation in ceremonies
President Andrzej Duda and Speaker of the Sejm Szymon Holovnia will participate in Vatican funeral ceremonies scheduled for Saturday, April 26. Marshal of the Senate of Małgorzata Kidawa-Błońska will remain in the country. As reported, the decision is based on national security needs in the context of the current geopolitical instability.
Security priority
The government underlines that the simultaneous departure of all the highest officials could create a gap in the continuity of power. According to the procedures, at least one of the representatives of the state authorities must be in the territory of Poland.
The importance of Pope Francis to Poland
Although the Pope came from Argentina, his relationships with Poland were special. In 2016, he presided over the World Youth Days in Krakow.
