U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on April 21, 2025, directing all American flags to fly at half-mast in honor of Pope Francis. The announcement followed news of the Pope’s passing, marking a moment of international mourning and reflection.
A Presidential Tribute to Pope Francis by Donald Trump
Speaking from the White House, President Trump said, “I just signed an executive order putting the flags of our country all of them at half-mast in honor of Pope Francis. He was a good man, worked hard. He loved the world.”
.@POTUS: “I just signed an executive order putting the flags of our country — all of them — at half-mast in honor of Pope Francis. He was a good man, worked hard. He loved the world.” pic.twitter.com/v8YWFDJMOZ
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 21, 2025
The President’s message embodied a profound recognition of Pope Francis‘ international stature, moral authority, and unrelenting efforts towards fostering peace, kindness, and harmony. The gesture highlights the Vatican’s continued influence in international matters as well as the pope’s personal admiration from heads of state around the globe, irrespective of party politics.
Saluting an International Spiritual Icon
Pope Francis, who took charge of the Catholic Church in 2013, was universally revered for his humility, advocacy for the underprivileged, and focus on solving world problems like climate change, migration, and interfaith relations. His papacy defied the conventional imagery and resonated way beyond the confines of the Vatican.
President Trump’s order to lower flags marks the United States’ formal acknowledgment of Pope Francis’ death as a global event of momentous significance. President Trump directed flags at federal properties, military bases, and U.S. embassies abroad to fly at half-mast for an officially designated period of mourning.
While millions around the world grieve the passing of Pope Francis, the United States stands with the world in paying homage to a man who endeavored to unite people across borders, creeds, and ideologies. The half-mast directive is a symbolic and dignified move one that celebrates a papacy characterized by outreach, reform, and unyielding compassion.
