As a sign of respect for the late Pope Francis, the President of the United States has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff. This directive applies to the White House, all public buildings and grounds, military posts, naval stations, and federal naval vessels across the District of Columbia, the United States, and its Territories and possessions. The President specified that the flags remain at half-staff until sunset on the day of the Pope's interment.
Additionally, similar protocol will be observed at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, which include military facilities and naval vessels and stations.
President's proclamation reads: "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."
The President signed this proclamation on April 21, 2025, noting the importance of this gesture in the year marking the two hundred and forty-ninth year of American Independence.
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