BISMARCK – As a mark of respect for Pope Francis, North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong has directed all U.S. and North Dakota flags be flown at half-staff and encourages North Dakotans to do the same at their homes and businesses until sunset on the day of interment. The directive is in accordance with a proclamation issued by President Donald Trump.

“Pope Francis led by example with humility, kindness and respect for the dignity of all God’s children,” Armstrong said in a prepared statement. “We join members of the Catholic Church in North Dakota, and all who admired him around the world, in mourning his passing and honoring his legacy of servant leadership and caring for those in need.”

Pope Francis died Monday at age 88.