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Pope Francis Meets Vice President JD Vance Days Before Passing

Vice President JD Vance had a poignant meeting with Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 shortly after their encounter. This meeting took place on Easter Sunday in one of the reception rooms of the Vatican hotel where the pope had been residing following a hospitalization for pneumonia.

Pope Francis had been recuperating for five weeks from a serious bout of pneumonia before their meeting. During this brief visit, he presented Vance with three large chocolate Easter eggs intended for the vice president’s young children, along with a Vatican tie and rosaries.

Vance expressed concern for the pope’s health, stating, “I know you have not been feeling great, but it’s good to see you in better health. Thank you for seeing me.” Following the news of the pope’s death, Vance took to social media to share his condolences, highlighting the pope’s impact on millions of Christians worldwide. He fondly recalled a homily delivered by Francis during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing its beauty and relevance.

Vance shared excerpts from the homily, which touched on themes of courage amid hardship and the importance of prioritizing spiritual growth over material pursuits. His heartfelt message included a prayer for the repose of the pope’s soul, stating, “Rest in Peace, Pope Francis.”

During his visit to Vatican City, Vance entered through a side gate as Easter Mass was underway in St. Peter’s Square, where he briefly met with the pope before participating in family Easter celebrations at St. Paul Outside the Walls basilica, visiting the tomb of St. Paul.

Vance’s relationship with the pope has been complex, particularly around issues like immigration and policies from the Trump administration regarding mass deportations. The pope had previously criticized such plans, invoking the dignity of migrants, and Vance has publicly acknowledged the criticisms while standing firm in his beliefs. In a recent address, he identified himself as a “baby Catholic,” admitting that there were aspects of the faith he was still learning.

Additionally, Vance had earlier met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, where they discussed their shared faith and the status of Christian communities facing persecution worldwide, reflecting on the current geopolitical landscape. The Vatican noted that discussions also encompassed topics such as migration and global conflicts.

The vice president’s time in Vatican City, though brief, encapsulated a significant moment reflective of both personal faith and broader political dialogue, underscoring the intersection of spirituality and statecraft in contemporary governance.

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