Trump mourns Pope Francis' passing, orders national flag to be flown at half-staff
U.S. President Donald Trump attends the annual White House Easter Egg Roll, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 21. Reuters-Yonhap
U.S. President Donald Trump mourned the death of Pope Francis on Monday, ordering America's national flag to be flown at half-staff and announcing a plan to attend the pontiff's funeral together with first lady Melania Trump.
The bishop of Rome died on Easter Monday at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican announced.
"I just signed an executive order putting the flags of our country — all of them, all federal flags and state flags -- at half mast in honor of Pope Francis," Trump said during the White House Easter Egg Roll, a traditional game played with eggs at Easter.
"He was a good man, worked hard. He loved the world, and it's an honor to do that," he added.
Under the executive order, the U.S. flag is to be flown at half-staff at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and on all naval vessels until sunset, on the day of interment, Trump wrote on Truth Social.
He also directed the flag to be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all U.S. embassies, legations, consular offices and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities, and at half-mast on all naval vessels, bases and stations.
In a separate statement, Trump wrote, "Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!"
Later in the day, Trump announced that he and the first lady will go to the pope's funeral in what would be his first overseas trip since his return to the White House for a second term in January.
"We look forward to being there!" he wrote on Truth Social.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also expressed his condolences over the pope's passing.
"On Easter Monday, Jeanette and I are saddened by the news of Pope Francis' passing," the secretary said in a statement. "We unite in prayer with Catholics worldwide for the repose of the pontiff's soul and for this period of transition for the Catholic Church. May He rest in peace."
Meanwhile, former President Joe Biden expressed "great sadness" over the pope's death.
"Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the most consequential leaders of our time and I am better for having known him," Biden wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
"For decades, he served the most vulnerable across Argentina and his mission of serving the poor never ceased. As Pope, he was a loving pastor and challenging teacher who reached out to different faiths."