National day of mourning in Hungary: National flag raised and lowered to half-mast in Budapest during funeral of Pope Francis

On the day of Pope Francis’ funeral, Saturday at 9:00 AM, Hungary’s national flag was raised and then lowered to half-mast in a formal ceremony with military honours in front of the Parliament Building, in Kossuth Square, Budapest. The government declared the day a national day of mourning as an expression of national sympathy and respect.

During the ceremony, the orchestra performed the national anthem “Himnusz” and the patriotic song “Szózat”. Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky was present at the memorial service.

As per government decree, on the national day of mourning, black flags were required to be displayed on state and municipal institutions as well as on public buildings. The government also requested the Hungarian people to honour Pope Francis’ life and service with dignity, observing a moment of silent reverence.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt Semjén participated in the Vatican’s funeral service as part of the Hungarian state delegation led by President Tamás Sulyok.

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