The President of the United States, Donald Trump, reacted to the death of Pope Francis with a brief yet emotional message published on his social media platform Truth Social.
Rest in peace, Pope Francis! May God bless him and all his loved ones!, wrote the American president.
The brief message, noted for its sober and respectful tone, contrasts with the combative style that has characterized Trump on social media. His post has been interpreted as a gesture of respect towards the religious leader who marked an era in the Catholic Church.
Moreover, Trump ordered that the flags of the United States be flown at half-staff in mourning for the death of the Argentine pontiff.
"In honor of the memory of His Holiness Pope Francis, [...] I order that the flag of the United States be flown at half-mast at the White House and all public buildings and grounds, [...] until sunset on the day of the burial," states the presidential proclamation.
The order includes all federal, military, and diplomatic facilities in the United States and abroad, and will remain in effect until the State funeral of the Pope is held in the Vatican.
One day before his death, the Pope received a visit from United States Vice President, JD Vance, who became the last high-ranking international official to see him alive.
The visit took place on Easter Sunday, during a brief audience in which the pontiff, visibly fragile, was still conscious.
"I was glad to see him yesterday, although he was obviously very ill. I will always remember him for the homily he gave in the early days of COVID. It was truly beautiful. May God grant him rest," Vance wrote on the social media platform X from New Delhi, where he is on an official visit.
Francisco passed away on the morning of this Monday, April 21, at the age of 88, in his residence at Casa Santa Marta, in the Vatican, after several months of respiratory complications.
According to the information provided by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the passing occurred at 7:35 a.m. (Rome time) and was officially communicated by the Holy See.
The Argentine pontiff, born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the first Latin American Pope and the first Jesuit to occupy the throne of St. Peter.
His legacy was marked by promoting a more open Church, committed to the marginalized, interreligious dialogue, environmental protection, and the fight against sexual abuse within the institution.
Since his election in 2013, Pope Francis has become an influential figure not only for Catholics, but also on issues of global geopolitics. His papacy has been characterized by personal austerity, his closeness to the poor, and his reformist stance towards many of the traditional structures of the Vatican.
In life, Francisco had requested that his funeral be simple and focused on faith, avoiding any ostentation.
For this purpose, in 2024, he updated the liturgical protocol for papal funerals, requesting a discreet and spiritual ritual.
So far, the Vatican has not revealed the specific details of the funeral, but it is expected to follow the guidelines set by the pontiff himself.
With his passing, a period of vacancy begins, and the College of Cardinals will soon be convened to elect his successor in a new conclave.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Death of Pope Francis and the International Reaction
How did Donald Trump react to the death of Pope Francis?
Donald Trump reacted with a message of respect and condolences following the death of Pope Francis. He posted on his social media platform Truth Social expressing his wishes for the pontiff to rest in peace and blessings for his loved ones. Additionally, he ordered that the flags of the United States be flown at half-staff as a sign of mourning.
What were the causes of Pope Francis's death?
Pope Francis passed away due to respiratory complications after several months of illness. His health had deteriorated since February 2025 when he was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia and spent time hospitalized. Ultimately, he died in his residence at Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican.
What legacy does Pope Francis leave in the Catholic Church?
Pope Francis leaves a legacy of reform and openness in the Catholic Church. During his papacy, he promoted a more inclusive Church committed to social justice, the environment, and the fight against abuses. He was also the first Latin American and Jesuit Pope, marking a significant chapter in the history of the Church.
What is known about Pope Francis's funeral plans?
Pope Francis had requested a simple funeral centered on faith, avoiding all ostentation. Although the Vatican has not yet revealed the specific details of the burial, it is expected that they will follow the guidelines set by him and that it will be held in the coming days at the Vatican with the participation of delegations from around the world.
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