Bangladesh declares 3-day mourning for Pope Francis

The government of Bangladesh has announced a three-day state mourning following the death of Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church.

According to a Cabinet Division notification issued on Wednesday night, the mourning period will be observed from Thursday to Saturday. During this time, the national flag will be flown at half-mast at all government, semi-government, autonomous, and educational institutions, as well as at government and private buildings across the country and at Bangladesh missions abroad.

Special prayers will also be offered for the soul of the late Pope.

Pope Francis, known for his reformist leadership and global influence, passed away on Monday at the age of 88. The Argentine-born pontiff, who led the Catholic Church since March 2013, had recently been treated for pneumonia at a hospital in Rome.

His funeral will take place on Saturday at the Vatican.