DeSantis Orders Flags Flown At Half-Staff In Florida To Honor Pope Francis

TALLAHASSEE, Florida – Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has ordered U.S. and Florida state flags to be flown at half-staff to honor the passing of Pope Francis on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.

U.S. President Donald Trump also ordered that flags are to be flown at half-staff in the Pope’s memory.

“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 in his Proclamation.

“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.”

The Vatican has scheduled Pope Francis’ funeral for Saturday, April 26, 2025, in St. Peter’s Square, with his body to lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica beforehand. In accordance with his wishes, he will be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, breaking from the tradition of interment at St. Peter’s Basilica.

World leaders, including President Trump, have confirmed their attendance at the funeral, and millions of Catholics worldwide are mourning the loss of the first Latin American pope, remembered for his compassion and commitment to the poor.

“Pursuant to the President’s order and as a mark of respect, I hereby direct the flags of the United States and the State of Florida to be flown at half-staff at all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout the State of Florida until sunset on the day of interment,” DeSantis wrote in a Memorandum.