Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday Easter, has given a shockwave across the globe. Before he said his final goodbye, US vice-president JD Vance was among the few dignitaries who met him for the last time. JD Vance was in Vatican city last week and met the pope on Easter Sunday. After entering the room, he gently took the pope’s hand and said, “Hello, so good to see you.”
According to a video released by the Vatican, Francis was sitting in a wheelchair. Expressing his concern, Vance said, “I know you’ve not been feeling great, but it’s good to see you in better health”. A priest serving as a translator spoke for the pope.
He was bestowed with several gifts including a Vatican tie, rosaries and chocolate eggs for his children. Embracing the pope and thanking him for the gift, Vance posed for a photo with him just before bidding farewell.
The meeting with Pope Francis was not originally on Vance’s schedule. According to sources, he was hoping for a brief visit to inquire about his health. On Saturday, he also met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin for what the Vatican called “an exchange of opinions.” While the Catholic church under Francis has strongly supported migrant rights, Vance and President Donald Trump have pushed for stricter immigration measures.
According to Vance’s office, during his meeting with the Cardinal, they “discussed their shared religious faith, Catholicism in the United States, the plight of persecuted Christian communities around the world, and President Trump’s commitment to restoring world peace.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that she had spoken to members of Vance’s team on Monday morning after Francis’ death. “They expressed how excited and grateful they were for the opportunity to have met with the pope just yesterday,” she said.
Discussing the legacy of the pontiff, Leavitt added, “he touched millions of lives throughout his tenure as the head of the Catholic Church and so it’s a solemn day for Catholics around the world and we are praying for all those who loved the pope and believed in him.”
Trump issued a statement on Truth Social: “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!” He signed an executive order at the White House Easter Egg Roll on Monday according to which US flags will fly at half-staff in the pope’s honor.
“He was a good man,” the president told reporters. “He loved the world and it’s an honor to do that.”
Vance, who is currently on his 4 day visit to India after Italy, posted an obituary on social media.
“I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him,” he wrote on X. “I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill.”
