Flags displayed in France for Pope Francis rekindle conversation about secularism.
Rewritten Article:
Remember when Pope John Paul II shuffled off his mortal coil twenty years ago? Fast-forward to now, and Pope Francis's passing on April 21 has stirred up the same debates about secularism, much like back in 2005 when Jean-Pierre Raffarin's government was in charge. Once more, the French government, this time under François Bayrou, has called for flags to be hung at half-mast on government buildings this coming Saturday, April 26, during Pope Francis's funeral. In 2005, Raffarin declared this gesture "doesn't match the distinction between spiritual beliefs and political and national decisions." The president of the UDF (Union for a Popular Movement) at the time, Bayrou, voiced his disagreement with this decision as well.
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Fast-forward to 2023, and rumors swirl that the decision to lower flags was made at the Élysée Palace, with the agreement of the prime minister. While on a jaunt to the Indian Ocean, President Macron has been dispatching messages to the Catholic community since the news of Francis's demise broke. On a recent visit to Madagascar, Macron took time to meet with Father Pedro, a close confidante of the Pope who oversees a nearby community.
The search results don't offer clear insight into France's stance on lowering flags for Pope Francis's funeral. Emmanuel Macron's attendance at the funeral suggests French involvement, but specific details about flag protocols remain scant. Historical records indicate that many nations, including predominantly Catholic countries, observed mourning practices for John Paul II's funeral, but there's a dearth of information about France's policies then or now.
In other countries, such as the United States, federal flags were ordered to be lowered per presidential proclamation. Hungary declared a national day of mourning with flags at half-mast and black flags displayed on government buildings. Canadian municipalities like Port Coquitlam lowered their flags on April 26. However, the records are silent on France's practices beyond Macron's attendance at the funeral.
- In 2005, the UDF (Union for a Popular Movement), specifically President Bayrou, disagreed with Jean-Pierre Raffarin's government over the decision not to lower flags at half-mast during Pope John Paul II's funeral.
- The dispute over flag-lowering during religious leader funerals resurfaced in 2023, as rumors suggest the Élysée Palace, with the agreement of the prime minister, has decided to lower flags for Pope Francis's funeral.
- Unlike other predominantly Catholic countries and some Canadian municipalities, the records are silent on France's historical or current policies regarding lowering flags for religious leader funerals.
- Emmanuel Macron's attendance at Pope Francis's funeral suggests French involvement in the event, but clarity on France's flag protocols remains elusive.
