This is moving.
In a moment both solemn and historic, Vice President JD Vance paid a private Easter Sunday visit to Pope Francis, just hours before the Pope passed away at the age of 88. The meeting, held at the Vatican’s Domus Santa Marta residence, was one of the Pope’s final interactions before his death—a powerful reminder of the shared Christian faith that unites believers across the globe.
A Quiet Meeting Filled with Faith and Family
Despite his frail health following a severe pneumonia diagnosis, Pope Francis welcomed Vice President Vance with grace and warmth. The two men exchanged Easter greetings, and the Holy Father gave Vance three large chocolate Easter eggs—one for each of his young children—along with a Vatican tie and a set of rosary beads.
“I know you have not been feeling great, but it’s good to see you in better health,” Vance told him. “Thank you for seeing me.”
Shortly afterward, news of the Pope’s passing shook the world.
Vance Honors Pope Francis After His Passing
On Monday morning, Vice President Vance took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a heartfelt message:
“I’ve just received news of Pope Francis’ passing. My thoughts are with the countless Christians around the world who held him in such high regard. It meant a lot to see him yesterday, even though his health was clearly declining. May the Lord grant him eternal peace.”
Vance also posted a link to a moving homily given by Pope Francis during the pandemic in March 2020, where the Pope reminded the world that “loving the cross means finding the courage to embrace all the difficulties of the present time.”
WATCH:
JD Vance to Pope Francis a day before the Pope's death:
— Clash Report (@clashreport) April 21, 2025
“It is good to see you in better health.” pic.twitter.com/7va6fMTtVs
A Strong Voice for Faith, Family, and Religious Freedom
The Vatican confirmed the brief meeting between Vice President JD Vance and Pope Francis, noting that the two leaders “exchanged Easter greetings.” Vance later joined his family at St. Paul Outside the Walls, one of Rome’s four major basilicas, to celebrate Easter Mass and pray at the tomb of the Apostle Paul.
A devout Catholic convert since 2019, JD Vance has emerged as a prominent voice defending Christian values, family traditions, and the rights of the faithful—especially during a time when religious expression is under increasing pressure worldwide.
Past Disagreements, Lasting Respect
While Pope Francis and Vice President Vance had disagreed publicly in the past—particularly on immigration and the Trump administration’s efforts to secure the U.S. border—Vance has always maintained deep respect for the papal office.
The Pope had criticized U.S. immigration enforcement as lacking compassion, while Vance argued that law and order are essential to protecting American families and national sovereignty, principles supported by the Trump administration.
Speaking earlier this year at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast, Vance humbly referred to himself as a “baby Catholic” and admitted there are still “things about the faith that I don’t know.” However, he reaffirmed his loyalty to the Church and his unwavering belief in faith, family, and the American way of life.
Talks with Vatican Leaders Reaffirm Shared Christian Values
In addition to meeting with Pope Francis, Vance also sat down with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Foreign Minister Archbishop Paul Gallagher. According to his office, their conversations covered a range of shared priorities: defending persecuted Christians, supporting Catholic communities in the U.S., and backing President Trump’s commitment to global peace and religious liberty.
The Vatican confirmed these discussions included “an exchange of opinions” on international conflicts, the plight of migrants, and the Church’s role in an increasingly divided world.
A Final Farewell
As Vice President Vance bid farewell to the Pope, he offered a quiet but powerful parting message:
“I pray for you every day. God bless you.”
This brief encounter now marks the final public meeting Pope Francis had before his passing—a poignant moment of faith, leadership, and unity in an increasingly turbulent world.
