Following the death of Pope Francis at age 88 on Monday, world leaders paid their respects to the pontiff as they reflected on his legacy, with President Donald Trump ordering that flags at federal properties be flown at half-staff as an indication of respect.
Trump announced in a post published Monday morning that he was ordering the US flag to fly at half-staff on the White House in addition to “all public buildings and grounds, in any respect military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government and the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions” through sunset on the day of Francis’ interment.
Trump’s order is finished “as a mark of respect for the memory of His Holiness Pope Francis,” Trump stated.
The order also applies to “all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.”
Vice President J.D. Vance, who met with Francis on Easter Sunday just before his death, released a statement on X Monday, saying his “heart goes out” to the hundreds of thousands of Christians worldwide who adored Pope Francis.
“I used to be pleased to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very sick,” Vance said.
Echoing remarks he made on the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in February, Vance shared a link to his favorite homily given by Francis.
“May God rest his soul,” he concluded.
Earlier within the morning, Trump released a much shorter statement on Truth Social addressing Francis’ death Monday morning.
“Rest in peace Pope Francis! May God bless him and all who loved him!” he proclaimed.
In a statement posted on X Monday, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni shared a lengthy message reflecting on Francis’ life.
“Pope Francis has returned to the home of the Father,” she declared.
“This news saddens us deeply because an important man and an important pastor has left us,” Meloni wrote. “I had the privilege of having fun with his friendship, his advice and his teachings, which never failed even in moments of trial and suffering.”
Meloni vowed that Francis’ “teaching and his legacy won’t be lost,” adding, “We greet the Holy Father with hearts filled with sadness, but we all know that he’s now within the peace of the Lord.”
French President Emmanuel Macron shared an image of himself meeting with Francis in a post on social media, with a caption reading, “From Buenos Aires to Rome, Pope Francis wanted the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest.” Macron’s post reflects the incontrovertible fact that Francis is originally from Argentina. He identified Francis’ mission as to “unite individuals with each other and with nature.”
In the UK, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer joined “hundreds of thousands world wide in grieving the death of His Holiness Pope Francis”, as he remembered his “courageous” leadership and “deep humility”.
“His leadership in a fancy and difficult time for the world and the church was courageous, yet all the time got here from a spot of deep humility,” the Prime Minister said.
“Pope Francis was a pope for the poor, the downtrodden and the forgotten. He was near the realities of human fragility, meeting Christians world wide facing war, famine, persecution and poverty. Yet he never lost hope of a greater world.
“That hope was as the guts of his papacy. His determination to visibly live out his faith inspired people the world over to see afresh the church’s teachings of mercy and charity.
“With his death, we’re reminded over again of his call to take care of each other across different faiths, backgrounds, nations and beliefs.
“My thoughts are with Catholics the world over, and the Roman Catholic church. May His Holiness Rest in Peace.”
King Charles of the United Kingdom offered condolences to those mourning the pontiff’s death in a statement published Monday.
“His Holiness shall be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of religion, and to those of goodwill who work for the advantage of others. His belief that take care of Creation is an existential expression of religion in God resounded with so many the world over.”
“Through his work and take care of each people and the planet, he profoundly touched the lives of so many,” Charles added. “The Queen and I remember with particular affection our meetings with His Holiness over time and we were greatly moved to have been in a position to visit him earlier within the month.”
“We send our most heartfelt condolences and profound sympathy to the Church he served with such resolve and to the countless people world wide who, inspired by his life, shall be mourning the devastating lack of this faithful follower of Jesus Christ.”
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