US Vice President JD Vance conveyed warm condolences after the death of Pope Francis, a day after meeting the Catholic Church’s spiritual leader on Easter Sunday at the Vatican. Vance made the statement shortly after arriving in India with his family after the Vatican visit.
“My heart goes out”: Vance recalls his meeting with Pope Francis
I just heard about the death of Pope Francis. My prayers are with the millions of Christians worldwide who loved him,” Vance posted on X (formerly Twitter), expressing sorrow at the death of the 88-year-old pope.
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 below homily he gave in the very early days…
— JD Vance (@JDVance) April 21, 2025
Pope Francis, the first pope from Latin America, died on Monday. He had chronic lung disease and underwent the removal of part of a lung in his early life. He was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital last February with a respiratory crisis which later became double pneumonia. Pope was hospitalized for 38 days, the longest period of hospital stay in his 12-year papacy, according to the Associated Press.
Last Meeting: Vance and Pope Francis connect in Rome
Vance described the final moments he shared with Pope Francis during the Easter celebrations. “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 wrote.
JD Vance, a new Catholic, greeted the Pope at the Vatican for Easter Sunday service, just before the pontiff spoke to the faithful during a sermon that called on world leaders to look out for vulnerable citizens. The meeting was confirmed by Vance’s office and was the first time a US vice president had met with the pope since 2020 under Donald Trump.
Vance Having Converted to Catholicism Recently
JD Vance, baptized into Catholicism in 2019, has spent a few days in Rome on a mix of official business and personal pilgrimage. He was joined by his wife Usha and their three children. During the Easter celebration, a moment caught by EWTN, an American Catholic news network, featured Vance chatting with Pope Francis, who sat in a wheelchair.
The pontiff, though weak in appearance, warmly greeted the Vance family. He presented them with a Vatican tie, rosary beads, and Easter eggs for every child. Vance thanked the Pope for the audience and wished him to recover, “I know you’ve not been feeling great, but it’s good to see you in better health. Thank you for seeing me.”
Pope Francis met briefly with U.S. Vice President @JDVance on Easter Sunday. The private audience lasted a few minutes. They exchanged Easter greetings, and the pope gave Vance a Vatican tie, rosaries and a set of three large chocolate Easter eggs for his kids. pic.twitter.com/v48BsukaDQ
— EWTN News (@EWTNews) April 20, 2025
PM Modi meets Pope Francis at G7 Summit in Italy
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi too had a passing but significant interaction with Pope Francis during the Outreach Session of the G7 Summit in Italy. The two leaders exchanged warm felicitations, and the encounter was felt as a sign of dialogue and bonhomie between India and the Vatican.
#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets Pope Francis at Outreach Session of G7 Summit in Italy. The Prime Minister also strikes up a conversation with British PM Rishi Sunak. pic.twitter.com/BNIpfK6lIN
— ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2024
The PM was also heard engaging with British PM Rishi Sunak during the summit. The G7 meet, hosted by Italy this time, was an international stage where the world’s leaders converged to tackle hot-button global challenges, and the Pope’s participation brought a rich moral and spiritual undertone to the proceedings.
A Papacy remembered
Pope Francis, elected in 2013, was known for his humility, progressive outlook, and a focus on issues affecting the marginalized. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was the first Jesuit and non-European pope in over 1,200 years. His reign was marked by efforts to reform the Vatican bureaucracy, promote interfaith dialogue, and confront sexual abuse scandals within the Church.
Even with his poor health, Pope Francis was still busy with global diplomacy and religious outreach until the last moment. The Easter Sunday surprise appearance in St. Peter’s Square, welcoming more than 35,000 individuals from his popemobile, was considered a demonstration of his never-wavering dedication.
