by InTrieste
American flags across the United States are flying at half-staff this week following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away Monday at the age of 88.
President Donald J. Trump, who remains the nation’s last elected president pending the 2024 election resolution, ordered the national tribute shortly after the Vatican confirmed the pope’s death. According to the Holy See, Pope Francis suffered a stroke that led to a coma and ultimately heart failure. He had been hospitalized for 38 days earlier this year due to a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia.
His final public appearance was on Easter Sunday, when he offered a blessing from the popemobile to thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
Trump called the pontiff “a good man” who “worked hard” and “loved the world,” adding that it was “an honor” to issue the half-staff directive. The order will remain in effect until the day of Francis’ interment.
The Vatican has scheduled Pope Francis’ funeral for Saturday, April 26. In accordance with his wishes, he will be buried in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, beside an icon of the Virgin Mary he held dear. Unlike his predecessors, Francis requested a modest burial—“in the ground; simple, without particular decoration, and with the sole inscription: Franciscus,” the Latin version of his papal name.
Unless a new directive is issued, flags will return to full-staff on Sunday. State governors may choose to extend the mourning period independently.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, was the first pontiff from the Americas and the first Jesuit to hold the papacy. He led the Catholic Church for over a decade, focusing on social justice, climate advocacy, and a more inclusive Church.
