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Walt Disney World Resort lowered its flags to half-staff this week following the death of Pope Francis, aligning with a national directive issued by President Donald Trump. The move—intended to honor the Catholic leader’s passing—extends a rare intersection between religious mourning and operations at the Central Florida theme park.
Credit: U.S. Coast Guard
Pope Francis died early Monday morning at age 88 after suffering a stroke and slipping into a coma, which led to heart failure. The pontiff, who had a chronic lung condition, had previously been hospitalized for double pneumonia for more than a month. His health had been closely watched leading up to Easter Sunday, when he made his final public appearance. Though unable to deliver the full homily himself, he appeared before the crowd in St. Peter’s Square and said, “Buona Pasqua!” (Happy Easter!) before an archbishop read his message.
One day later, the Vatican confirmed his passing. President Donald Trump issued a proclamation ordering all U.S. public buildings and grounds to fly the American flag at half-staff until the Pope’s interment.
At Walt Disney World Resort, the flags were already lowered due to a separate tragedy—a shooting at Florida State University that killed two and injured six. According to a report from WDWNT, the resort had planned to raise them at noon on Monday. Instead, they remained lowered in accordance with the president’s directive.
Credit: Disney Tips
Magic Kingdom Park continues to perform its daily Flag Retreat ceremony, even when flags are flown at half-staff. Each evening at 5:00 p.m., Disney cast members invite a veteran guest to help lower the flag in Town Square. The ceremony includes live trumpet performances, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and a group recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. The flag is then folded and retired for the evening.
Do you agree with Walt Disney World Resort’s decision to lower its flags to half-staff for Pope Francis? Let Disney Tips know in the comments!
I feel you are missing the point, creating a controversy where there is none. Lowering a flag to half-staff in respect for a world leader is not ‘bringing religion into the parks.’ Pope Francis was a world leader who, according to public opinion polls, was universally more respected than virtually all political leaders in the world. He was loved by people of diverse faith traditions and no faith at all. Flags have consistently been lowered by WDW when such a decree has been given out by presidents of either political party.
100%!! Creating chaos for clicks.