Washington DC [US]: In a solemn gesture of respect, US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the American flag would be flown at half-staff across the United States in honor of Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.
The announcement was made on Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social.
“As a mark of respect for the memory of His Holiness Pope Francis, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, on the day of interment,” Trump stated.
He further directed that the flag be flown at half-staff for the same duration at US embassies, consulates, and military installations worldwide.
“I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations,” he added.
Condolences from US Leaders
President Trump also offered his personal condolences:
“Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!”
US Vice President JD Vance, who had the distinction of being the last foreign leader to meet Pope Francis during his Vatican visit on Sunday, expressed deep sorrow over the Pope’s passing. The White House echoed this sentiment in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), saying:
“Rest in Peace, Pope Francis.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also publicly mourned the pontiff’s death.
The Pope’s Passing and Legacy
According to a statement from the Vatican, Pope Francis died at 7:35 AM on Easter Monday at his residence in Casa Santa Marta within Vatican City. The announcement was made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber:
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father… With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
The Vatican has declared a nine-day mourning period known as Novendiale, a tradition rooted in ancient Roman custom. Following the mourning, a Conclave of Cardinals will convene to elect the next Pope.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was ordained as a priest in 1969. After Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation in 2013, Bergoglio was elected as the 266th Pope on March 13, 2013, and became the first Pope from the Americas, adopting the name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi.
He was widely revered for his humility, reformative leadership, and unwavering commitment to social justice, especially for the poor and marginalized.