Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković said on Tuesday the government is likely to declare a national day of mourning on Saturday, when the funeral of Pope Francis is scheduled.
Plenković made the announcement after attending a central commemoration marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Ustasha-run Jasenovac concentration camp.
At the event, he briefly spoke with President Zoran Milanović – their first conversation in some time – during which they discussed the Pope’s death.
Plenković, who met the Pope privately in the Vatican on Easter Sunday with his family, described the encounter as emotional.
“It was clear that he was in a serious health condition, but you could still feel his warmth, cheerfulness, and commitment to his mission,” Plenković told reporters. “It was a great honour for me and my family.”
He stressed that the meeting had been arranged at the initiative of the Vatican’s protocol service. “We were there privately and did not seek an audience. But since I was the highest-ranking official present, the invitation was extended and we accepted it,” he said.
Plenković also responded to criticism on social media about the visit. “Some of the comments were vile, unnecessary, and completely uninformed,” he said.
He confirmed the government is awaiting full protocol details before officially declaring the day of mourning, but added he expects to attend the funeral in person.
The prime minister also noted that he and President Milanović had discussed convening the Defence Council in the second half of May, after the first round of local elections. Plenković said he had invited the President’s Office to submit any suggestions or amendments to the documentation provided.
