Trump declares mourning in the US following the death of Pope Francis

US President Donald Trump has declared a period of mourning following the death of Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of Catholics, at the age of 88.

Expressing his deep respect for Pope Francis, Trump, acting under the authority vested in him by the Constitution and laws of the United States, has ordered that flags at all public buildings in the US and abroad be flown at half-staff until sunset on the day of Pope Francis's interment.

Stating that this is being done as a mark of respect for the memory of Pope Francis, President Trump announced that, in accordance with his order, flags are to be flown at half-staff not only at the White House but also at all public buildings, federal grounds, military posts and naval stations, as well as at all US embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions abroad.