Hungary marks national day of mourning for Pope Francis

A black flag on the main flagpole at Szeged City Hall during Hungary’s national day of mourning for Pope Francis. Photo: Szilvia Molnar / Szegedify

SZEGED, Hungary — Hungary is observing a national day of mourning on Saturday to honor Pope Francis, whose funeral is being held today in Vatican City.

Under a government decree published Thursday, the national flag was raised and then lowered to half-staff with military honors in front of Parliament in Budapest.

Black flags were placed on public buildings throughout the country, including across Szeged, where a small commemoration site has been set up in front of the City Hall.

Shops remain open, and there are no restrictions on entertainment venues, public events, or cultural programs.

Pope Francis died on April 21. His funeral is taking place this morning in St. Peter’s Square, led by Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re. Following the service, the pontiff will be laid to rest in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, according to his wishes.

Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok is leading the official delegation, joined by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt Semjén. Opposition leader Péter Magyar is attending independently.

Sulyok paid tribute to the late pope in a Facebook post, writing, "He spoke in the language of the people, so that everyone may understand him. And many did. He spoke to us Hungarians several times. We think of him with gratitude."

A nine-day mourning period will follow the funeral before the conclave to elect the next pope begins.