US Vice President JD Vance was the last government official to have a meeting with Pope Francis before he died on Monday morning.
JD Vance who was on official visit to Italy met with Pope Francis on Easter Sunday at the Vatican; Vance, a Catholic convert, entered the room and reached down for the pope’s hand. “Hello,” the vice president said. “So good to see you.”
Francis was sitting in a wheelchair, and his words were inaudible in a video released by the Vatican.
“I know you’ve not been feeling great, but it’s good see you in better health,” Vance said.
A priest serving as a translator spoke for the pope.
“These are for your children,” the priest said as someone presented Vance with chocolate eggs. Next came a tray of additional gifts, including rosaries and a Vatican tie.
“Thank you,” Vance said as he held the dark tie. “So beautiful.”
They posed for a photo, Vance standing to the pope’s right before bidding him farewell.
“I pray for you every day,” Vance said. “God bless you.”
Vance, who continued on to India after Italy, posted on social media.
“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 wrote on X. “I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill.”
President Donald Trump issued a statement on Truth Social: “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!” With AP reports
Pope Francis meets with U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Easter Sunday at the Vatican, April 20, 2025. Vatican Media/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY