The Holy See has announced a Funeral Mass for His Holiness Pope Francis will be held on Saturday, 26 April 2025 in St Peter’s Square, Vatican City.
His Holiness Pope Francis was Bishop of Rome, head of the Roman Catholic Church and the Holy See from 2013 to 2025.
As a mark of mourning and respect, and in accordance with protocol, the Australian National Flag should be flown at half-mast all day on Saturday, 26 April 2025 in your locality from all buildings and establishments occupied by Australian Government departments and affiliated agencies. Other organisations are welcome to participate.
- When flying the Australian National Flag with other flags, all flags in the set should be flown at half-mast.
- If a set of flags includes the flags of other nations, it would be appropriate to seek permission from the diplomatic representatives of that nation to half-mast their flag.
- An acceptable half-mast position would be when the top of the flag is a third of the distance down from the top of the flagpole.
- Information on flag protocol is available the Department's website.
The financial and staffing implications arising from weekend or public holiday flag marshal duties are the responsibility of each organisation.
Your assistance is appreciated.
Commonwealth Flag Officer