Vice President JD Vance Remembers Pope Francis After Their Final Meeting

Vice President JD Vance had the honor of being one of Pope Francis’ last visitors before the beloved leader of the Catholic Church passed away at the age of 88. Their brief but poignant meeting took place on Easter Sunday in the Vatican, shortly after the pope returned from a lengthy hospitalization.

Vance, who visited the pope at the Domus Santa Marta, exchanged Easter greetings with Francis, who had been residing there since his release from Gemelli Hospital on March 23. The pope had been undergoing treatment for a severe case of pneumonia, which had kept him hospitalized for five weeks.

During their encounter, the 88-year-old pontiff presented Vance with gifts for his children, including three large chocolate Easter eggs, a Vatican tie, and rosaries. Vance expressed his gratitude for the meeting by saying, “Thank you for seeing me. I know you have not been feeling great, but it’s good to see you in better health.” This heartfelt exchange underscored the warm relationship between the vice president and Pope Francis.

Following the news of the pope’s death early Monday morning, Vance shared his condolences on social media. He wrote on X, an online platform, “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. I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the beautiful homily he gave in the early days of COVID. May God rest his soul.” This message illustrated Vance’s deep respect and admiration for the pope.

Vance linked to a Vatican transcript of the powerful homily given by Pope Francis from St. Peter’s Basilica on March 27, 2020. In this moving address, the pope emphasized the need to embrace life’s hardships, urging listeners to find courage amidst adversity. “Embracing his cross means finding the courage to embrace all the hardships of the present time,” he stated, encouraging reflection on what truly matters in life.

The response from the White House echoed Vance’s sentiments as they also expressed their condolences on social media by writing, “Rest in Peace, Pope Francis.” This unified expression of mourning highlighted the global impact of the pope’s leadership and his significant role within the Catholic community.

On the day of their meeting, Vance’s motorcade entered Vatican City through a side gate, coinciding with the Easter Mass taking place in St. Peter’s Square. Notably, Pope Francis had delegated the Mass celebration to another cardinal due to his health issues.

The Vatican confirmed that their meeting lasted only a few minutes, during which they shared light-hearted Easter greetings. Vance’s office later noted that the vice president had expressed his heartfelt appreciation to Pope Francis for the opportunity to meet and for the generous hospitality extended to his family during their visit.

As their meeting drew to a close, Vance offered his prayers for the pope, saying, “I pray for you every day. God bless you.” This moment emphasized the personal connection they shared, despite their differing views on certain issues.

In a reflection of how fast-paced events can be, Vance’s visit to the Vatican lasted just 17 minutes before he joined his family for Easter Mass at St. Paul Outside the Walls. The Vance family also made a contemplative visit to the tomb of St. Paul, which further underscores their devotion to their faith.

Contrasting Perspectives on Migration

Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, has publicly engaged in dialogue with Pope Francis regarding migration policies. Their conversations have sometimes been contentious, primarily because Vance supports a hardline approach to immigration, while the pope has spoken vehemently about the dignity of migrants.

Days before his hospitalization, Pope Francis criticized the Trump administration’s plans that threatened to strip migrants of their dignity. He also wrote a letter to U.S. bishops that seemed to address Vance directly about justifying such policies under Catholic doctrine. Despite the criticisms, Vance has maintained his stance, acknowledging the pope’s remarks but expressing his commitment to his viewpoints.

During a recent appearance at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast, Vance described himself as a “baby Catholic,” admitting he still has much to learn about his faith. This humility speaks volumes about his journey and relationship with Catholicism.

Discussions with Vatican Officials

In addition to his meeting with Pope Francis, Vance engaged with key Vatican officials over the weekend. He met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the foreign minister. Their discussions centered around shared aspects of their faith, the plight of persecuted Christians globally, and President Trump’s commitment to world peace.

The Vatican described the meeting as an “exchange of opinions,” covering various topics, including migration, refugees, and ongoing global conflicts. These conversations underscore the complexities of faith and policy as they intersect with international humanitarian issues.

Final Reflections

Vance’s meeting with Pope Francis stands as a significant moment for both figures, encapsulating the profound exchange of faith, compassion, and political dialogue. As the world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, Vance’s remembrance highlights the deep connections that tie the Catholic community, volunteers, and leaders in pursuit of dignity and peace for all.

As we reflect on the legacy of Pope Francis, his messages of love, acceptance, and joy will undoubtedly continue to inspire countless individuals for years to come.

This report also draws on contributions from the Associated Press.