Guwahati: The Assam government on Tuesday announced a two-day state mourning as a mark of respect on the passing away of Pope Francis.
Francis, who was diagnosed with double pneumonia, died on Easter Monday.
He was the first non-European Pope in nearly 1,300 years.
“As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, the Government of Assam has decided that there will be two days of state mourning on April 22 and 23,” an official order said.
Additionally, one day’s state mourning will be observed on the day of the funeral, it added.
“On the day of mourning, the National Flag will be flown at half-mast throughout Assam on all buildings where the National Flag is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment during the period of state mourning,” the order stated.
Francis’s passing came only a day after he brought joy to worshippers by appearing on the balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica for Easter Sunday, despite still recovering from a serious illness.
Earlier this year, Francis had faced two close brushes with death due to pneumonia and spent 38 days in the hospital before being discharged on March 23.
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On Sunday, he greeted the crowds in Saint Peter’s Square with a heartfelt “Happy Easter” and, during his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” (“To the City and the World”) blessing, called for freedom of thought and tolerance.
