New Delhi, April. 4 (PTI): The Government today decided to split the three-day state mourning as a mark of respect to late Pope John Paul II into two phases.

According to a fresh notification issued by the Centre, the state mourning has been split into two phases. The first one was completed today.

"Three days' state mourning starting from April 3 was announced by the Centre on the passing of Pope John Paul II. It has been decided that the three-day state mourning shall be observed as follows.

"Two-day state mourning on Sunday and Monday (which ended today) and one-day state mourning on the day of his funeral which will be notified later," a Home Ministry spokesman said here.

The date of the funeral of Pope was likely to be April 8. Vice-President Bharion Singh Shekhawat, would be representing India at the funeral.

Flags on all Government buildings will fly at half mast during the period and all official entertainment during the period stands cancelled, he said.