Speaker Szymon Hołownia called the pontiff "a spiritual guide and moral authority for millions, including many Poles," before lawmakers recited the Hail Mary prayer.
President Andrzej Duda has declared Saturday, April 26—the day of the Vatican funeral—a national day of mourning.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk provided the required countersignature, telling reporters he would remain in Poland while Duda, parliamentary leaders and other officials attend the ceremony in Rome.
Under Poland’s mourning rules, state flags will be flown at half-mast, and many mass sporting and entertainment events are expected to be postponed.
Tusk said a concert marking the 1,000th anniversary of King Bolesław the Brave’s coronation and a large drone show in Warsaw would be moved from Saturday to Sunday.
Francis, who had been recovering from severe pneumonia, died at 7:35 a.m. on Monday after a stroke and cardiac failure, the Vatican said.
Saturday's funeral Mass will begin at 10 a.m. in St Peter’s Square, after which his coffin will be taken to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for burial, in accordance with his wishes.
(jh/gs)
Source: PAP, IAR