Fico: Gov't Should Be Represented at Pope's Funeral by Foreign Affairs Minister

Bratislava, April 23 (TASR) - The Slovak government should be represented at Pope Francis's funeral on Saturday (April 26) by Foreign Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar, said Premier Robert Fico (both Smer-SD) following the Cabinet session on Wednesday. At the same time, Fico noted that the government has decided to declare state mourning for the day of the Pope's funeral, as his death has affected a huge number of Slovaks. The premier said that he's spoken to President Peter Pellegrini, who confirmed that he will attend the funeral. "We also discussed the participation of a cabinet member at the funeral. "I assume that the Slovak government will be represented in the president-led delegation by the foreign affairs minister, unless some other agreement is reached between members of the government," said Fico. A period of state mourning will be in place in Slovakia from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday. "All measures and bans enacted in Slovak legislation will be implemented in connection with the state mourning," added the premier. State flags will fly at half-mast. Pope Francis died on Monday (April 21) morning at the age of 88. He had been the head of the Catholic Church since March 2013. The funeral of the Holy Father will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday. ko/df