Senator JD Vance has issued a heartfelt response following the d3ath of Pope Francis, which occurred just hours after the two met on Easter Sunday.
The Vatican confirmed early this morning that Pope Francis had passed away, after months of declining health and a prolonged five-week stay in the hospital.
Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Camerlengo, delivered the official announcement: “Dear brothers and sisters, it is with deep sadness that I inform you of the passing of our Holy Father, Francis. At 7:35 a.m., the Bishop of Rome returned to the Father’s house.”
The 88-year-old Pope had been battling health complications stemming from double pneumonia.
In the wake of his d3ath, tributes have poured in from leaders worldwide, many honoring Pope Francis for his progressive stances on environmental protection and his advocacy for the decriminalization of homose.xuality.
Among those responding was U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who had met with the Pope the day before his pa:ssing.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Vance wrote, “I’ve just heard of Pope Francis’ passing. My condolences go out to the millions of Christians who held deep affection for him.” He added, “I was fortunate to meet him yesterday, though it was clear he was gravely ill.”
The 40-year-old official went on to share a homily Pope Francis delivered during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, saying, “That message has always stayed with me—it was truly moving. May God rest his soul.”
During their Sunday meeting, the Pope welcomed Vance and offered him symbolic gifts, including chocolate Easter eggs for his children, a Vatican-themed necktie, and several rosaries.
Vance expressed his gratitude, saying to the Pope, “I know you haven’t been feeling well, but it’s good to see you looking better. Thank you for making time for me.”
The encounter garnered significant media attention, especially given Pope Francis’ past criticism of the Trump administration’s immigration policies—an area where his views sharply diverged from those of Vance’s political allies.
Back in February, while addressing U.S. Catholic bishops, Pope Francis had warned that mass deportation efforts could lead to a severe humanitarian crisis and undermine the dignity of vulnerable individuals.
“I have been closely following the troubling situation in the United States, where a program of mass deportations has begun,” the Pope wrote at the time. “A well-formed conscience must oppose any measure that implicitly or explicitly equates undocumented migrants with criminals.”
