Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey authorizes flags to be flown at half-staff after Pope Francis dies

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) — Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey announced Monday she authorized flags throughout the state to be flown at half-staff after Pope Francis died earlier in the day.

In her memo, Ivey stated flags can be at half-staff until sunset the day of Francis’ internment. President Donald Trump directed U.S. and state flags to be flown at half-staff because of Francis’ death.

Francis died at 88 from a stroke that put him into a coma and led to heart failure.

Francis had been the head of the Catholic Church since March 13, 2013.

Below is Ivey’s flag memo memorializing Francis:

“In accordance with the Presidential proclamation, Governor Ivey has authorized flags be flown at half-staff effective immediately on the grounds of the Alabama State Capitol Complex in Montgomery and throughout the state of Alabama until the day of interment of Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.

“Born in Argentina of Italian immigrant parents, Pope Francis was the first head of the Catholic Church from the Americas.  He left a legacy of love and compassion for all.  He made history not only for hailing from Latin America, but also for his succession of a living pope, Benedict XVI, the first papal abdication in over 600 years. As President Trump noted, Pope Francis was a very good man who loved the world.

“The flags on the grounds of the State Capitol Complex and throughout the state of Alabama may be flown at half-staff from today, April 21, 2025, until sunset on the day of interment of Pope Francis.”

Francis’ burial must happen four to six days after his death.