National mourning and the flag in Italy
Published Written by Flagpole Guides
This page is an English translation of the Italian original. Where the two versions differ, the Italian text is the original.
When a person of particular importance dies or a tragedy strikes the country, the Government can declare national mourning. Italy has no law listing the cases in which national mourning is declared: the decision is made case by case, and the flags on public buildings are flown at half-mast according to the instructions of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers. This guide describes who decides, how mourning relates to State funerals and what happened in some recent cases.
Who decides
According to the State Ceremonial Office, national mourning is decided by the Government. The instructions on flying the flag at half-mast are issued by the State Ceremonial Office to all central administrations and to the prefectures, which pass them on to local offices. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs instructs Italian embassies and consulates.
Local mourning is decided by local authorities, such as regions and municipalities, and their instructions concern only the authorities' own banners. Half-mast is described in the guide to half-mast.
State funerals
Law no. 36 of 7 February 1987 places the costs of the funerals of the President of the Republic, the Presidents of the two Chambers, the President of the Council of Ministers and the President of the Constitutional Court on the State, even after their term of office, and of ministers who die in office. By decision of the Council of Ministers, State funerals can also be granted to people who have rendered particular services to the nation, to citizens who fell in the line of duty or to victims of terrorism and organised crime. The arrangements for the ceremony are set by the Ceremonial Office.
According to the State Ceremonial Office, public mourning, national or local, is declared for State funerals in the manner indicated by the Presidency of the Council, and the flags on public buildings are lowered to half-mast. Flags displayed indoors are draped with two strips of black crêpe tied like a necktie.
Recent examples
| Occasion | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Death of Silvio Berlusconi, June 2023 | National and European flags at half-mast on public buildings and missions abroad from 12 to 14 June; national mourning on 14 June, the day of the State funeral |
| Death of Pope Francis, April 2025 | National mourning for five days, until the day of the funeral, with flags at half-mast on public buildings |
The national mourning for Pope Francis was proclaimed by the Council of Ministers on 22 April 2025. The press release also called for public events to be held in a sober manner suited to the circumstances, and the period included Liberation Day on 25 April.
What changes for the flags
During national mourning, the Tricolore and the European flag on public buildings are flown at half-mast, and flags carried at funeral ceremonies bear two strips of black crêpe, as provided for in article 5 of D.P.R. no. 121/2000. The Government's instructions concern public buildings; there is no obligation for private individuals, and flying a flag at half-mast remains a personal choice.
The general rules are in the guide to the flag rules, and the order of flags at ceremonies in the guide to flag protocol.
Frequently asked questions
Who declares national mourning in Italy?
According to the State Ceremonial Office, national mourning is decided by the Government. The instructions on flying the flag at half-mast are issued by the State Ceremonial Office of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers to all central administrations and to the prefectures.
Is there a law on national mourning?
There is no law setting out when national mourning is declared. Law no. 36 of 7 February 1987 governs State funerals, and D.P.R. no. 121/2000 provides that flags flown outdoors are kept at half-mast as a sign of mourning. The duration and arrangements are decided case by case.
How long was the national mourning for Pope Francis?
The Council of Ministers of 22 April 2025 proclaimed national mourning for five days, until the day of the funeral, with the flags on public buildings flown at half-mast during the period of mourning.
Do private individuals have to fly the flag at half-mast during national mourning?
The Government's instructions concern public buildings and Italian missions abroad. There is no obligation for private individuals; anyone who flies a flag can choose to lower it to half-mast as a sign of taking part in the mourning.
Sources
This guide is based on the following sources, most of them in Italian:
- Esequie di Stato e lutti nazionali – Presidenza del Consiglio dei Ministri, Ufficio del Cerimoniale di Stato
- Legge 7 febbraio 1987, n. 36 (esequie di Stato) – Normattiva
- D.P.R. 7 aprile 2000, n. 121 (articolo 3) – Normattiva
- Comunicato stampa del Consiglio dei Ministri n. 125 – Governo italiano
- Lutto nazionale e bandiere a mezz'asta per la scomparsa del Presidente Berlusconi – Governo italiano
- La Bandiera: cenni storici e norme per l'esposizione – Presidenza del Consiglio dei Ministri, Ufficio del Cerimoniale di Stato
Related guides
- Half-mastHalf-mast in Italy: what D.P.R. 121/2000 provides, the two strips of black crêpe, who orders half-mast and how flags are draped in mourning indoors.
- Flag rulesThe rules on using the Tricolore in Italy: who flies it, flying hours, dignity of the flag, one flag per staff, private use and protection under criminal law.
- Flag protocolThe order of flags in Italy: the Tricolore's place of honour, the European flag, regional and municipal banners, foreign guests and the order at ceremonies.
- Flag daysWhen the Tricolore is flown on public buildings in Italy: the days of D.P.R. 121/2000, the civil solemnities and the public holidays of 2026 and 2027.