Sri Lanka, April 26 -- The government has declared today, April 26, a national day of mourning, coinciding with the funeral of His Holiness Pope Francis.

The Ministry of Public Administration announced that the national flag will be flown at half-mast in all government offices today.

This decision follows the Vatican's declaration of a nine-day mourning period after the Pope's passing.

St. Peter's Basilica, where his body lies in state, has remained open overnight to accommodate the vast numbers of people paying their respects.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Hiru News....