Death of Pope Francis: Govt announces 3-day state mourning

The government has declared a three-day state mourning period, beginning Thursday, following the death of Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church.

The Cabinet Division issued a gazette notification on Wednesday night to announce the decision.

During this period (Thursday to Saturday), the national flag will be flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government, autonomous, and educational institutions, as well as at all government and private buildings across the country and Bangladesh missions abroad, reports BSS.

Special prayers will also be held for the late Pope’s soul.

Pope Francis, an energetic reformer who inspired widespread devotion among Catholics but also riled traditionalists, died on Monday at the age of 88.

The Argentine pontiff, who led the Catholic Church since March 2013, had spent 38 days being treated for double pneumonia at Rome's Gemelli Hospital before appearing to recover and leaving the facility on 23 March.

The funeral of Pope Francis, whose death has prompted an outpouring of grief among Catholics worldwide, will be held on Saturday, according to an announcement from Vatican City.