Indiana Governor Mike Braun ordered all flags across the state to be flown at half-staff following the death of Pope Francis, calling it a mark of solemn respect for a global religious figure whose influence reached far beyond the Catholic Church.
The order comes just hours after the Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis died from a stroke, triggering mourning across continents—and here at home.
Braun reacts swiftly as global mourning begins
Governor Braun issued the directive early Monday, instructing that all U.S. and state flags be lowered until sunset on the day of the pope’s interment.
His message was short but heavy with reverence.
In a statement, Braun said this was “a mark of respect for the memory of His Holiness Pope Francis,” and asked Hoosier residents and businesses to join state offices in lowering flags.
Braun also echoed tributes made by other national leaders, including former President Donald Trump, who issued a similar flag-lowering order on a federal level.
From the Vatican to the Midwest: A global figure remembered locally
It might seem like Vatican affairs are oceans away from Indiana, but Catholic communities across the state say the impact of Pope Francis was anything but distant.
Parishes in Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, and South Bend planned memorial services.
Bishop Kevin Rhoades of the Diocese of Fort Wayne–South Bend called the pope’s death “a deep spiritual loss to the Church and the world.”
Many Hoosiers, both Catholic and not, took to social media to reflect on the pope’s decade-long leadership. He was the first pontiff from Latin America and one of the most publicly visible spiritual leaders in modern history.
“This man stood for mercy. He tried to bridge divides,” wrote one commenter on a Fort Wayne parish’s Facebook page. “Even if you weren’t Catholic, you could feel his humanity.”
What the flag order means and how long it lasts
The order isn’t just symbolic—it follows a longstanding tradition for major international figures.
When Pope John Paul II passed in 2005, President George W. Bush ordered flags lowered nationwide. Pope Francis receives the same honor, under both state and federal proclamations.
Braun’s office clarified the details in a follow-up release:
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Flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on the day of Pope Francis’s funeral
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Businesses and residents are strongly encouraged to follow the order
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All state agencies are expected to comply immediately
This means schools, city halls, libraries, and even private homes across Indiana will join in this tribute.
Hoosier leaders weigh in with personal messages
Beyond official statements, reactions poured in from a wide mix of Indiana’s public figures. Some were political, others deeply personal.
Here’s a look at some notable responses:
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Sen. Todd Young: “Pope Francis led with compassion. His death is a reminder of the power of grace and humility.”
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Rep. André Carson: “A tireless voice for the poor and marginalized. May he rest in peace.”
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Mayor Joe Hogsett (Indianapolis): “His visit to the U.S. in 2015 left an imprint on many Hoosiers. He was a man of peace.”
Even some non-Catholic leaders chimed in, pointing to the pope’s focus on interfaith dialogue and climate justice.
A look back: Francis’s decade-long impact in Indiana and beyond
While his papacy was based in Rome, Francis’s influence touched many corners of Indiana—from local Catholic charities to university lectures and even interfaith forums.
Notre Dame University, a hub of Catholic scholarship in South Bend, issued a detailed tribute that praised the pope’s intellect and courage.
The university had previously welcomed Vatican envoys during Francis’s tenure and held conferences centered on themes he championed—like migration, poverty, and climate action.
Let’s look at some of the ways Pope Francis’s leadership resonated in Indiana:
| Theme | Local Impact Example |
|---|---|
| Social Justice | Catholic Charities ramped up homelessness outreach |
| Environmentalism | Purdue and IU hosted panels on “Laudato Si’,” his climate text |
| Immigration | Local dioceses advocated for DACA protections and asylum rights |
| Youth Engagement | Fort Wayne and Indy dioceses boosted teen faith programs |
Not every message he shared was universally accepted—especially on social and doctrinal issues—but even his critics acknowledged his boldness.
A personal loss for many Indiana Catholics
For older Catholics, this moment feels strangely familiar.
Many remember mourning Pope John Paul II. Some, even Pope Paul VI.
But for younger Hoosiers, this is the first papal death they’ve witnessed. It’s stirring deep emotion.
At a Monday morning Mass in Fort Wayne, silence fell as the priest announced the news. Some cried. Others simply sat in stunned quiet.
“This isn’t just the head of the Church passing away,” one parishioner told WPTA. “It feels like losing a grandfather.”
