Pope Francis: Trump Orders Flags at Half-Staff

President Donald Trump has ordered all U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Pope Francis, who passed away earlier today at the age of 88.

The proclamation, issued from the White House, calls for flags to remain lowered until sunset on the day of the Pope’s interment.

The directive affects all federal buildings, military installations, naval stations, and U.S. embassies worldwide. In the proclamation, Trump described the gesture as a “mark of respect for the memory” of the late pontiff, acknowledging his global influence and spiritual leadership.

Pope Francis died on Easter Monday following a stroke and complications related to heart failure. He served as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church and was the first Jesuit and first Latin American to hold the position. His papacy, which began in 2013, was widely recognized for championing the poor, promoting interfaith dialogue, and urging action on climate change.

The Vatican has declared a nine-day mourning period known as novemdiales, during which tributes will be held. The College of Cardinals will convene shortly after to begin the process of selecting the next pope.

President Trump’s decision to lower the flags reflects the significance of Pope Francis’s passing, both as a religious figure and a global moral voice. The U.S. joins nations around the world in mourning his death.