Gov. Braun directs flags to be at half-staff in honor of Pope Francis

INDIANAPOLIS — Officials with the office of Indiana Gov. Mike Braun announced that flags will be at half-staff starting on Monday in honor of Pope Francis.

According to an announcement from Braun’s office, officials announced Monday that flags will be flown at half-staff around the state of Indiana “as a mark of respect for the memory of His Holiness Pope Francis.”

Pope Francis died at the age of 88 on Monday and made his last public appearance on Easter Sunday.

“Flags should be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset in the state of Indiana from now until sunset, the day of interment,” the office said.

After Monday’s announcement, officials have praised Pope Francis, including Indianapolis Archbishop Charles C. Thompson. According to previous reports, Thompson, who was appointed by Pope Francis in 2017, said that Pope Francis was “a good and faithful servant.”

“Pope Francis had an unwavering passion and devotion to the faith, to the Church and to the people of God everywhere,” Thompson said.

In the statement from Braun’s office, officials said that they are asking businesses as well as all Hoosiers to lower their flags as well.