U.S. Vice President JD Vance paid tribute to the late Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, just one day after their meeting on Easter Sunday. Vance expressed his sorrow on social media, stating, "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." This heartfelt message came shortly after the Vatican confirmed the Pope's death, which was attributed to a series of health complications that had plagued him for months, including a five-week hospitalization for pneumonia.
During their brief encounter on April 20, 2025, Vance and Pope Francis exchanged Easter greetings. The meeting lasted approximately 15 minutes, and the pontiff gifted Vance chocolate eggs for his children, a Vatican tie, and rosaries. Vance remarked to the Pope, “I know you have not been feeling great, but it’s good to see you in better health,” and thanked him for the meeting. This interaction marked one of the final public appearances of the Pope, who had been using a wheelchair in recent months due to declining health.
The Vice President's visit to the Vatican was not initially on his schedule. Vance had hoped for a brief audience with the Pope as a personal and political goal, given his Catholic faith. The meeting followed a formal discussion Vance had with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and the Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, on April 19, 2025. The Vatican described these talks as "cordial" and emphasized a mutual commitment to protect freedom of religion.
In his tribute, Vance shared a link to a homily delivered by Pope Francis in March 2020, during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, which he described as "really quite beautiful." The Vice President's remarks reflect a complex relationship with the late pontiff, who had criticized the immigration policies of the Trump administration, which Vance has defended. In 2016, Pope Francis questioned then-presidential candidate Donald Trump's faith, stating, "a person who thinks only about building walls... and not of building bridges, is not Christian," and later referred to Trump's immigration views as "an ugly thing" and his plans to ramp up deportations as a "disgrace."
Despite these past disagreements, Vance's meeting with Pope Francis was seen as an attempt to bridge gaps between their differing views, particularly on humanitarian issues. Vance converted to Catholicism in 2019, finding alignment between his faith and conservative values, although he acknowledged that his understanding of the faith was still developing. He referred to himself as a "baby Catholic" at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in February 2025, where he led a prayer for the Pope during his hospitalization.
The announcement of Pope Francis's death was made by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who stated, "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father." The Pope, aged 88, had a significant impact on the global Catholic community and was known for his advocacy on various social issues, including the environment and the decriminalization of homosexuality.
Tributes from world leaders began pouring in following the announcement of his death. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his sadness, noting that Pope Francis's efforts to promote a fairer world would leave a lasting legacy. U.S. President Joe Biden praised the Pope's unique contributions, stating, "Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the most consequential leaders of our time... He was the People’s Pope – a light of faith, hope, and love." Former President Donald Trump also shared his condolences on Truth Social, saying, "Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!"
King Charles expressed his deep sorrow, reflecting on the Pope's commitment to the Church and the world, while Whoopi Goldberg remarked on Instagram that Pope Francis embodied the love of Christ for all, believers and non-believers alike. French President Emmanuel Macron noted the Pope's desire for the Church to bring joy and hope to the poorest, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni shared her sadness over the loss, recalling the privilege of knowing him personally.
Pope Francis's legacy is marked by his efforts to address global issues, including climate change and social justice, and his ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. His death has left a void in the Catholic Church and beyond, as leaders and followers alike reflect on his teachings and the impact he made during his papacy.
As the world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, Vice President JD Vance's tribute serves as a reminder of the profound influence the Pope had on millions, transcending political divides and touching the hearts of believers around the globe. Vance's recognition of the Pope's contributions highlights the significance of their meeting and the shared values that unite them, despite their differences.
