Today's Edition
(AFP, ALETIHAD)
US President Donald Trump issued a proclamation Monday ordering US flags to be flown at half-staff to honour Pope Francis after the Argentine pontiff's death aged 88.
Trump ordered that the flag be lowered at the White House and public and military properties, as well as on naval vessels and foreign diplomatic missions, "as a mark of respect for the memory of His Holiness Pope Francis."
Trump earlier paid tribute to the late Pope, writing on his social media platform, "Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!"
US Vice President JD Vance also met with Pope Francis on Easter Sunday, and he posted a tribute on X.com following news of Pope Francis' death: "I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him."
"I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful," Vance added.
