in effect
Proclamation 10920 is a presidential proclamation signed on April 21, 2025, ordering U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff as a formal mark of respect following the death of Pope Francis. It is a ceremonial executive action the President issues under constitutional and statutory authority to direct how federal flags are displayed.
U.S. flags at the White House, all federal public buildings and grounds, all military posts and naval stations, and all U.S. naval vessels must be lowered to half-staff. The same requirement applies to all U.S. embassies, consular offices, and other U.S. government facilities overseas, including military installations and naval vessels abroad. The flags are to remain at half-staff until sunset on the day Pope Francis is interred. No other policies, regulations, or laws are altered by this proclamation.
Federal agencies, military installations, and diplomatic posts worldwide are responsible for complying with the flag-lowering directive. Individual Americans are not legally required to lower their own flags, though the proclamation is traditionally understood as an invitation for private citizens and organizations to do the same as a sign of respect.