Countries around the world, particularly Catholic majority ones have been reacting to the news of Pope Francis' death yesterday aged 88 with many instigating periods of state mourning.

State mourning is usually announced by the government or head of state with examples including a flag at half-mast  as well as state funerals which are public ceremonies usually involving dignitaries though the general public may also attend from a wider distance. 

There are also often periods of silence that the nation are expected to adhere too as well as a general suspension of normal or scheduled activities such as sport or other public events. Some businesses can also adjust their working hours or display black flags or flags at half mast too.  

Here are some examples of national state reaction fromaround the world. 

Italy

Following the death of Pope Francis yesterday Italy President Sergio Mattarella described Pope Francis as a figure whose "sweetness and wisdom had benefitted our community and the entire international community." Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also called him a "giant of faith and reason."

Pope Francis' funeral will be held on Saturday in St Peter’s Square in Rome in accordance with tradition which states it  must take place between four and six days after the death of a pontiff. From that point there will be 9 days of state mourning. 

Argentina

Argentina is the late Catholic leader's home country. To honour his Argentinian heritage the government has declared a week of mourning starting from  April 22 and finishing on 28th.  Yesterday a special mass was held at the cathedral in Buenos Aires where Francis was Archbishop. The building was decorated with a picture of him and garlanded with bunches of white flowers and the blue and white flag of Argentina.

Brazil

Brazil is home to a one of the largest Catholic populations - around 123 million people - representing around 60% of the population due to its colonial history under Portugal, another Catholic nation.  According to Reuters President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and first lady Janja Lula da Silva will travel to Rome to attend the funeral. The country is also taking part in 7 days of mourning.

Philippines

The Philippines is the largest Catholic nation in Asia where people there have been publicly grieving following the news of the pontiff's passing. Yesterday Church bells rang out in the capital Manila. Around 80% of the nation's population of 110 million are Roman Catholic.  Earlier today Filipinos gathered at a solemn Mass to show their respect  and Catholic churches across the archipelago are holding novenas and memorial masses in his honor.​

Spain

Spain will observe 3 days of mourning to honour Pope Francis. Justice Minister Felix Bolanos announced on TV that: “We regret the death of a good man and a great Pope. Therefore, the government of Spain will declare three days of official mourning.”

Poland 

In Poland there will be no national mourning but leaders have paid tributes. President Andrzej Duda said Pope Francis's teachings were a "guidepost among the many winding and deceptive paths of the contemporary world."

India

India have begun three days of state mourning from today with flags at half-mast across government buildings according to The Hindustan Times.There are 23 million catholics living and practising in the country.  They make up around 1.5% of the country's population.

Ireland

Ireland have yet to declare official state mourning however many are expected to participate in local observances and follow the Vatican's funeral proceedings scheduled for this Saturday (26th April).  Primate of all Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin praised Pope Francis for his work in rebuilding the Church following abuse scandals telling The Irish Times "he didn't shy away from the trauma of abuse."

The country is home to 3.5 million catholics - nearly 70% of the population.

UK

And in the UK King Charles has said he was “most deeply saddened” to hear of the Pontiff's passing, praising Pope Francis’s “compassion”, commitment to unity, and the environment. The King and Queen were one of the last state leaders to meet with the Pope on 9th of April just 12 days before he passed away.   Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also expressed his condolences, saying Francis’s “tireless efforts to promote a world that is fairer for all” would be remembered.