JD Vance issued a touching tribute following Pope Francis’ death, a day after they met to exchange Easter greetings as part of the vice president’s international diplomatic mission on behalf of the Trump administration.
“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,” Vance wrote in a statement on X early Monday.
“I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful.”
“May God rest his soul,” he concluded.
Vatican camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the pope’s death on Monday at the age of 88.
Francis had been hospitalized for weeks battling a complex lung infection, which led to early stages of kidney insufficiency. He spent 38 days at Gemelli hospital for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia, the longest hospital stay of his 12-year papacy.
“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,” Farrell said. “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised.
“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Tribune.”
Vance, a Catholic who has clashed with the pontiff over the Trump administration's immigration policies, met with Francis at the Domus Santa Marta for a few minutes “to exchange Easter greetings” on Sunday, the Vatican said.
The pope offered the vice president three big chocolate Easter eggs for his three young children, who did not attend, as well as a Vatican tie and rosaries.
“I know you have not been feeling great but it’s good to see you in better health,” Vance said to the pontiff in his wheelchair. “Thank you for seeing me.”
Grasping the pope’s right hand, Vance said: “Pray for you every day. God bless you.”
After the encounter, Francis was wheeled out to the Loggia of Blessings overlooking St. Peter’s Square to bless thousands of people and treat them to a surprise Popemobile tour of the piazza, drawing wild cheers and applause.
Archbishop Diego Ravelli, master of apostolic ceremonies, read aloud Francis’ Easter Speech, in stark contrast with the Trump administration’s worldview.
“How much contempt is stirred up at times towards the vulnerable, the marginalized and migrants,” Ravelli said without explicitly mentioning a country or person.
He urged political leaders to “not to yield to the logic of fear” but “to help the needy, to fight hunger and to encourage initiatives that promote development.”
The White House also shared its condolences, posting a photograph of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump beside Francis in 2017 and a photograph of Vance and the pontiff shaking hands at their meeting Sunday.
“Rest in Peace, Pope Francis,” it wrote on X Monday.
“Rest in Peace Pope Francis!,” Trump reiterated on his Truth Social platform. “May God Bless him and all who loved him!”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed his condolences on X, writing: “We unite in prayer with Catholics worldwide for the repose of the pontiff's soul and for this period of transition for the Catholic Church. May He rest in peace.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi shared her “deepest condolences and prayers to Catholics around the world.”
Former President Joe Biden tweeted that “Pope Francis will be remembered as one of the most consequential leaders of our time and I am better for having known him.”
