The Vice President has been working hard for months. But no one was expecting this to happen.
Now he’s made a tragic announcement that is sending shockwaves around the world.
Vance Shares Heartfelt Tribute to Pope Francis
U.S. Vice President JD Vance expressed profound grief over the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at 88 on April 21, 2025, just hours after their brief Easter Sunday meeting at the Vatican. In an emotional post on X, Vance extended his condolences to the global Christian community, writing, “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.” He reflected on the pontiff’s frail condition during their encounter, noting, “I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill.”
Vance highlighted a sermon Francis delivered in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, sharing a link and calling it “really quite beautiful,” while concluding, “May God rest his soul.”
Brief Vatican Meeting Amid Frail Health
The meeting between Vance, a Catholic convert since 2019, and Pope Francis was described by the Vatican as a short exchange of Easter greetings at the Casa Santa Marta, lasting only a few minutes. Francis, visibly weakened by a 38-day hospitalization for double pneumonia, still managed to engage with Vance, gifting him three large chocolate Easter eggs for his children, along with a Vatican tie and rosaries.
Vance expressed concern for the pope’s health, saying, “I know you have not been feeling great, but it’s good to see you in better health,” and added, “I pray for you every day. God bless you.” The encounter, though fleeting, marked a moment of personal connection despite their differing views on key issues.
Tensions Over Immigration Policies
The backdrop to their meeting was a history of public disagreement, particularly over the Trump administration’s immigration policies, which Vance has supported. Pope Francis had been a vocal critic, most notably in a February 2025 letter to U.S. bishops, where he described mass deportations as a “major crisis.”
He wrote, “The act of deporting people who in many cases have left their own land for reasons of extreme poverty, insecurity, exploitation, persecution or serious deterioration of the environment, damages the dignity of many men and women, and of entire families, and places them in a state of particular vulnerability and defenselessness.”
This stance likely influenced the brevity of their meeting, with Vance spending more time discussing religious freedom and global conflicts with Vatican officials like Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Gallagher.
A Gesture of Goodwill Amid Divide
Despite their ideological differences, the Easter Sunday exchange was marked by mutual respect. The chocolate eggs and other gifts from Francis underscored his characteristic warmth, even toward political figures with opposing views. Vance’s tribute on X focused on the pope’s spiritual legacy, emphasizing his ability to inspire millions through sermons like the one from 2020.
The vice president’s choice to highlight this moment, rather than their policy disputes, suggests an effort to honor Francis’s broader impact as a religious leader. The meeting also included an “exchange of opinions” on migration with Vatican officials, hinting at ongoing diplomatic efforts to navigate these tensions.
Pope Francis’s Legacy and Vance’s Reflection
Pope Francis’s death, following a prolonged battle with double pneumonia, marks the end of a papacy defined by compassion for the marginalized and outspoken advocacy on global issues like poverty and migration. Vance’s tribute aligns with the sentiments of millions mourning the pontiff, reflecting on his ability to connect with people across divides.
By sharing the COVID-era homily, Vance underscored Francis’s gift for offering hope during crises, a quality that resonated even with those who disagreed with his political stances. As the Catholic Church prepares for a conclave to elect a new pope, Vance’s words serve as a reminder of Francis’s enduring influence on faith and global discourse.
