Pope Francis’s final meeting included an awkward moment with JD Vance. It occurred after he condemned the Trump administration’s treatment of migrants and marked the pontiff’s last public encounter.
Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday.
He was reported dead just a day after a brief and awkward meeting with Vice President JD Vance at the Vatican.
Pope Francis and JD Vance’s awkward exchange on Migration
On Easter Sunday, Pope Francis, aged 88, had a brief encounter with Vice President JD Vance at the Vatican.
The meeting occurred amid tensions over Vance’s stance on migration.
The meeting, which lasted only a few minutes, was overshadowed by their disagreement on immigration policies.
Francis, known for his advocacy for migrants, condemned the Trump administration’s approach to deportations.
Vance’s previous meeting with Vatican officials
Before meeting with the Pope, Vance had an awkward encounter with Vatican officials.
The vice president, an adult Catholic convert, was reportedly snubbed and met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Peter Gallagher instead.
The Vatican clarified that Vance’s visit with the Pope was “brief” and focused on exchanging Easter greetings.
Despite the brief interaction, Vance expressed gratitude for the meeting and hospitality extended to his family.
The Vice President’s praise for Pope Francis
Despite their differences on migration, Vance offered a kind gesture, giving Francis Easter greetings.
Additionally, he thanked the Pope for his health and for taking the time to meet, despite his obvious illness.
Vance’s office said the vice president ‘expressed his gratitude to Pope Francis for inviting him to meet on Easter Sunday and for the hospitality the Vatican has extended to his family.’
‘I pray for you every day,’ Vance said as he bid Francis farewell. ‘God bless you.’
While, Vance also shared a heartfelt tribute to Pope Francis after the pontiff’s passing.
He recalled the Pope’s moving homily during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He also expressed how it resonated deeply with him.
Vance’s reflections on the Pope’s death
After learning of Pope Francis’s death, Vance took to social media to express his sorrow.
He acknowledged that the Pope was ‘obviously ill.’ However, he remembered him for his leadership and the profound homily during the pandemic.
Vance’s emotional tribute was shared on X (formerly Twitter). He expressed his condolences to millions of Catholics worldwide who mourned the Pope’s passing
He wrote: ‘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 on X on Monday morning.
‘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.’
White House and Trump’s reactions to Pope’s passing
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Vance was grateful to have met Pope Francis before his death.
She called it a “solemn day” for Catholics and shared prayers for those who loved the Pope.
President Donald Trump also issued a statement, expressing his condolences.
Trump wished the Pope peace and extended blessings to all who loved him.
Earlier, Pope Francis had criticized the Trump administration’s deportation plans, highlighting the dignity of migrants.
Vance, in turn, had defended his position, claiming Catholic doctrine supported such policies.
Despite the Pope’s criticism, Vance remained firm in his stance.
During a 2021 appearance at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast, Vance acknowledged he was new to Catholicism. He admitted there were still aspects of the faith he needed to learn.