On Easter Sunday, U.S. Vice President JD Vance met Pope Francis at the Domus Santa Marta in what would become the pontiff’s final official meeting before his death. The 88-year-old Pope passed away the next day, Easter Monday, at his Vatican residence. Their encounter was warm and symbolic, marked by mutual respect and shared Easter greetings. Vance acknowledged the Pope’s frail condition, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to meet.
A Heartfelt Farewell Marked by Gifts, Prayers, and a Lasting Tribute Online
During the brief meeting, Pope Francis presented Vance with three large chocolate Easter eggs for his children, along with a Vatican tie and rosaries. Vance’s farewell to the pontiff was heartfelt, assuring him of his prayers and blessings. The meeting, though short, seemed to carry emotional weight, given the Pope’s visibly declining health and the eventual timing of his death just a day later.
JD Vance Shares Final Easter Moment With Pope Francis Before Pontiff’s Passing on Easter MondayFollowing the news of Pope Francis’ death, JD Vance posted a touching tribute on X (formerly Twitter). He expressed sorrow and admiration for the Pope, highlighting how special their final meeting was. Vance also recalled a powerful homily delivered by the Pope during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, describing it as “really quite beautiful.” His message resonated with many who mourned the loss of the beloved religious leader.
Political Tensions Persisted, But Faith and Respect Bridged Their Ideological Divide
Despite the cordial nature of their final interaction, Vance and Pope Francis had previously disagreed on key political issues—particularly U.S. immigration policy. The Pope had openly criticized large-scale migrant deportations proposed by the Trump administration, which Vance supports. Just weeks before his death, Pope Francis voiced renewed concern about the dignity and treatment of migrants, indirectly opposing Vance’s policy stance.
While tensions remained over certain political views, JD Vance has shown deference to the spiritual leadership of Pope Francis. At a recent Catholic gathering, Vance described himself as a “baby Catholic,” acknowledging his ongoing spiritual journey and limited understanding of some aspects of the faith. His final interaction with Pope Francis, marked by reverence and respect, offered a moment of unity beyond their ideological differences.