Why are flags at half-staff in Arizona? Here's why they'll be lowered until this weekend

Flags across Arizona and the U.S. will fly at half-staff in honor of Pope Francis, who died on April 21.

President Donald Trump issued the order on April 21, calling for flags to remain at half-staff until sunset on the day of Pope Francis' interment.

Pope Francis died on Monday, April 21, at the Vatican at 88 from a stroke and irreversible heart failure, according to a death certificate published by the Vatican. His funeral will take place on Saturday, April 26, in the Vatican City.

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs issued a similar order. In it, she said: "I join Catholics across Arizona, and the world, in mourning the death of Pope Francis. He led the Church with humility and dignity, and was a voice for those who too often have none. We can all learn from his message of compassion and empathy for the least among us.” 

When is Pope Francis' funeral?

A funeral for Pope Francis will then be held at 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. ET and 1 a.m. MT) on Saturday, April 26, in St. Peter's Square – a solemn ceremony sure to draw leaders from around the world. President Donald Trump, who clashed repeatedly with the pope about immigration, has already announced he will attend the funeral in Rome with first lady Melania Trump.

Francis confirmed in his final testament released on Monday that he wished to be buried in Rome's Basilica of Saint Mary Major, instead of in the crypt of St. Peter's Basilica, where many of pope's predecessors were laid to rest.

What is the difference between half-mast and half-staff?

Typically, the difference between the two is where the flag is being flown. Half-mast refers to flags flown on ships, while half-staff is used for flags flown on land.

USA TODAY reporter Eric Lagatta contributed to this article.