By: Isuru Parakrama
April 24, Colombo (LNW): The Government of Sri Lanka has announced that Sunday, 26 April 2025, will be observed as a National Day of Mourning, following the passing of Pope Francis, a global spiritual leader whose influence resonated far beyond the Catholic Church.
The decision was conveyed by the Ministry responsible for public administration, in recognition of the late pontiff’s profound impact on religious harmony and humanitarian values worldwide.
This symbolic gesture underscores Sri Lanka’s acknowledgement of the Pope’s legacy as a tireless advocate for peace, compassion, and interfaith dialogue.
The government has called upon all citizens to observe the day with due solemnity, encouraging religious institutions and public bodies to pay tribute in a respectful and contemplative manner.
The funeral of Pope Francis is set to take place on Saturday at the historic St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, with a large international gathering of dignitaries, clerics, and mourners expected to attend.
The Vatican has confirmed that his body, transported from his Vatican residence at Casa Santa Marta, will lie in state for three days to allow the faithful to offer their final respects.
His simple wooden coffin has already been placed inside the basilica, where thousands are anticipated to file past in quiet homage.
Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday morning at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke and heart complications, was revered for his unwavering commitment to the poor, his efforts to bridge religious divides, and his role in reshaping the global image of the Catholic Church.
His tenure as pontiff was marked by calls for mercy, environmental stewardship, and social justice, making him a figure of inspiration even among non-Catholics.
In the wake of his death, condolences have poured in from across the world, with leaders and religious figures expressing deep sorrow and admiration. Sri Lankan officials, too, extended heartfelt sympathies to the Vatican and to Catholic communities both locally and abroad.
Sri Lanka, home to a diverse religious population, has historically maintained strong ties with the Vatican and previously hosted Pope Francis during his visit to the island in 2015. That visit, which included an open-air mass in Colombo and a pilgrimage to the Marian shrine in Madhu, was seen as a milestone in post-war reconciliation efforts, drawing crowds in the hundreds of thousands.
