On Easter Sunday, as Christians around the world celebrated the resurrection of Christ, US Vice President JD Vance visited the Vatican and met with Pope Francis in what would become the pontiff’s final meeting with a public official.
Less than 24 hours later, Pope Francis passed away.
“Today I met with the Holy Father Pope Francis. I am grateful for his invitation to meet, and I pray for his good health. Happy Easter!” Vance wrote on Easter Sunday, shortly after their encounter.
He added:
“It was an honour to meet with Pope Francis, Prime Minister Meloni, and church officials in Italy this weekend. Visiting Rome with my family during Holy Week was an incredible experience.”
Vance Reacts to the Pope’s Death
News of the Pope’s passing reached Vance on Easter Monday. Pope Francis died at the age of 88, leaving behind a global legacy of humility, compassion, and reform.
“I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill,” said Vance. “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.”
“My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him,” he added.
US Vice President JD Vance with Pope FrancisUS Vice President JD Vance with Pope Francis
Pope Francis Dies on Easter Monday
The Pope had been seriously ill in the weeks leading up to his death. After a period of hospitalization and what appeared to be a recovery, he made a brief return to public life—culminating in his Easter Sunday message to the world.
Unbeknownst to many, that message would be his last.
At 9:45 a.m. on Easter Monday, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, delivered the official announcement from the Casa Santa Marta:
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.
“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
A Historic Easter
The Pope’s death on Easter Monday also adds a powerful chapter to the Holy Week of 2025. It is historic because for the first time in centuries, the Eastern and Western churches celebrated Easter on the same day. For JD Vance, however, his visit to the Vatican will be remembered not only as a personal spiritual moment—but also as a final encounter with one of the most influential religious figures of the modern era.
Francis succeeded Pope Benedict XVI, who shocked the world by resigning in 2013—the first pontiff in nearly six centuries to do so. For nearly a decade, the Vatican housed two popes: one emeritus, one reigning.
Now, the Church enters a solemn period of mourning before the next papal conclave begins. As per Vatican protocol, Cardinal Farrell will oversee the interregnum and preparations for the election of Francis’s successor.
Flags at the Vatican and across Catholic institutions worldwide are flying at half-staff.
