COLUMBIA--The S.C. Legislature quickly passed a resolution Thursday that will lower flags on the Statehouse dome for the funeral of Pope John Paul II.

State law specifies which deaths may be noted by flags flying at half-staff at the Statehouse. It lists public officials, military personnel and police officers, but not international or religious leaders.

Without a temporary law change, it was unclear if the flag could be lowered in recognition of the pope.

"We want to do the right thing," Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston, said. "We also want to comply with the statute."

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