Washington DC - At Monday's annual White House Easter Egg Roll, President Donald Trump paid his respects from the US to Pope Francis, who died at 88 earlier that day.

Trump, who has had a sometimes thorny relationship with the Vatican, ordered US flags to be flown at half-staff at the White House and at federal property across the world.

"He was a good man, he worked hard and loved the world," Trump said at the White House event marking Easter.

He had earlier posted on social media: "Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!"

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Donald Trump and his wife, First Lady Melania Trump, were seen smiling and taking part in family-friendly Easter festivities.

They colored pictures with and read picture books to children, in addition to the famous "Easter Egg Roll" and prize-filled egg hunting.

Also in attendance was a large Easter Bunny, who interacted with Trump and the children.

Another costumed bunny character was seen waving around a large chart extolling the affordable price of eggs in America. This comes after the widespread shortage of such food products due to birds being killed en masse in order to root out the avian flu.

This comes amid Trump's trade war, which threatens to hike up the price of food and other imports.