U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance has paid tribute to Pope Francis, recalling their poignant meeting just hours before the pontiff’s death on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025. Vance, a Catholic convert since 2019, met with the Pope at his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta, on Easter Sunday. He noted that Pope Francis appeared “obviously very ill” during their brief encounter. Despite his frailty, the Pope offered gifts, including three large chocolate Easter eggs for Vance’s children, a Vatican tie, and rosaries People.com.
The meeting was unannounced and marked one of the Pope’s final public engagements. It was particularly notable given previous tensions between the Vatican and the Trump administration over immigration policies. Pope Francis had criticized the administration’s deportation plans, emphasizing the dignity of migrants. Despite these differences, the meeting between Vance and the Pope was cordial, reflecting mutual respect Axios.
Following the Pope’s passing, Vance expressed his condolences, stating he was “grateful to have seen him, though he was obviously very ill,” and extended sympathy to “the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him” .Wikipedia+1People.com+1
Earlier in the year, at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast on February 28, Vance had led a prayer for the Pope’s health, acknowledging their policy disagreements but emphasizing the Pope’s role as a spiritual leader who cares deeply for his flock .Charisma News+5Find Mass Times Near Me+5Charisma Magazine Online+5
Pope Francis’s death has prompted tributes from global leaders, recognizing his commitment to compassion, social justice, and interfaith dialogue. His final meeting with Vice President Vance stands as a testament to his enduring dedication to pastoral outreach, even in his final days.
