Trump Orders U.S. Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of Pope Francis: “He Was a Good Man” (WATCH)
Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday issued an executive order to lower all American flags to half-mast in honor of Pope Francis, who passed away recently. “He was a good man, worked hard. He loved the world,” Trump said during a statement from the White House, joined by First Lady Melania Trump and the Easter Bunny.
Also read: Pope Francis Passes Away at 88; India Declares Three-Day State Mourning
The Vatican will now observe the traditional nine-day mourning period known as Novemdiales, a practice rooted in ancient Roman customs. According to CBS News, a senior British royal is expected to attend Pope Francis’s funeral in Vatican City, which is scheduled to take place within four to six days after his passing.
President Trump: "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/na3RJun14Q
— Department of Government Efficiency News (@DOGE__news) April 21, 2025
During Novemdiales, cardinals from around the world will gather in Rome for General Congregations a series of meetings in which candidates for the papacy present their vision for the Church’s future.
How Is the New Pope Chosen?
Between 15 to 20 days after the pope’s death, the process of electing a successor will begin. Eligible cardinal electors those under the age of 80, currently numbering around 135 will convene in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican for a papal conclave.
Also read: PM Modi mourns Pope Francis, Highlights His Love for India
In this closed-door process, cardinals vote repeatedly until one candidate secures a two-thirds-plus-one majority. The results are signaled to the public using smoke: black indicates no decision has been reached, while white signifies the election of a new pope.