The President's decision was transmitted on Tuesday, after 12:00, in an entry published on the X platform (formerly Twitter). "In connection with the death of the Holy Father, president Andrzej Duda made the decision to make the day of the ceremony - 26 April- make the day of national mourning" - reads the release.
The Vatican had previously informed that the ceremony of Pope Francis would take place on Saturday 26 April at 10:00 in St Peter's Square. president Andrzej Duda and her spouse will participate in the celebrations. The Holy Father died on Easter Monday on April 21 at 7:35, aged 88.
It is worth noting that the decision to declare national mourning requires a countersignate (i.e. signature) of the president of the Council of Ministers. In practice, however, this is simply a formality – the heads of government seldom question specified decisions.
Andrzej Duda announced national mourning on April 26
The national mourning day was set for Saturday, April 26, 2025 – it applies around the clock.
National mourning will be introduced by the decree of the president of the Republic of Poland, in accordance with Article 11 of the Act of 31 January 1980 on the emblem, colours and anthem of the Republic of Poland and on state seals. The regulation must contain information on the cause, time and duration of mourning.
During the state's mourning, the flag will be lowered to half the mast – especially on government buildings, government offices and state organizational units.
What can and cannot be done in national mourning?
Many Poles may ask themselves: what does national mourning mean in practice? First of all, it involves canceling mass events, including concerts, sports and amusement events.
However, this is not mandatory – an additional order may be issued by the Prime Minister or by the appropriate voivode. If the Prime Minister decides to suspend the events, this will apply to both public and private events. At the moment, Prime Minister Donald Tusk has not issued specified a regulation.
Similarly, the voivodes have the right to introduce regional bans on events. Their decisions are besides compulsory for all.
On the day of national mourning, you can besides anticipate changes in tv shows. I can vanish from the frames amusement and comedy programs. Black ribbons will likely appear on the screens of many stations, symbolizing mourning. akin markings can besides appear on the websites of the largest news portals.
According to the portal rp.pl, although the regulations do not supply straight for sanctions for breaking the temper of national mourning, it is worth remembering that organizing a loud event or, for example, a fireworks show can be considered a disorder of public order. In utmost cases, this may be classified as an "unhospitable prank", which is punishable by imprisonment, restrictions on freedom, fines up to PLN 1500 or reprimand.
