The Pope's death: how national mourning works, what stops in Italy

The government has proclaimed five days of national mourning for the death of Pope Francis. The decision was taken by the Council of Ministers twenty-four hours after the sdisappearance of Bergoglio: in the executive there were those who pleaded for three days, in line with what was established after the death of John Paul II. But in the end the broader line prevailed, advocated by Giorgia Meloni herself, who will carry the mourning until 26 April. Also incorporating the Liberation Day.

And this is the fuse that triggered the controversy. "The 25th of April? All ceremonies are allowed, with the sobriety that the circumstance imposes on each one,' said Minister Nello Musumeci as he left the council of ministers. Words that provoked harsh reactions and vitriolic comments. The Italian Democratic Party (Pd) has dryly announced that it will suspend the party's activities for three days only, until the 24th; Avs has pointed the finger at Palazzo Chigi's 'allergy' to 'the liberation from fascism and Nazism'. No comment from the 5 stars who, however, as has filtered through Campo Marzio circles, want to avoid political controversy at a time of mourning for the Pope while confirming their commitment to celebrating 25 April

In Italy, national mourning is decided by the State ceremonial. It provides, among other things, for flags at half-mast on the facades of all public buildings (including diplomatic representations abroad) and two strips of black veil for internal flags. During the day of mourning, government officials are obliged to cancel public engagements, while businesses and shops have the option (and not the obligation) to decide whether or not to close for the whole day. National mourning may also affect public events. In particular, they may be cancelled, postponed or held in a reduced form. This also applies to cultural events, competitions and sports events or public entertainment events.

Institutional authorities tend to attend public events only if they are for charity or fundraising purposes. There are also consequences in schools, where a minute's silence is expected to be observed. National mourning does not necessarily fall on the activities of private individuals: from a legal point of view, days of mourning are considered de facto working days even if public and private organisations are allowed to interrupt their activities to organise moments of mourning.