JD Vance Honors Pope Francis, Recalling Their Meeting Just Before His Passing

Vice President JD Vance has paid his respects to Pope Francis following the Vatican’s announcement of the Pope’s passing at the age of 88.

Pope Francis, originally named Jorge Mario Bergoglio, had been dealing with health issues in recent months due to a respiratory infection and chronic bronchitis that progressed to pneumonia in both lungs, along with mild kidney failure.

The Vatican reported on Monday, April 21, that Francis passed away at 7:35am local time.

Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell made the announcement: “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 home 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 faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for 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 God, One and Tribune.″

Vance, a convert to Catholicism, visited Vatican City over the weekend for discussions with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the secretary of state, and the foreign minister, Archbishop Paul Gallagher.

According to the Vatican, the discussions were described as ‘cordial’, and it is believed that Vance had the opportunity to meet with Francis as well.

Following the Vatican’s confirmation of the Pope’s death, Vance expressed his condolences on Twitter.

Vance tweeted: “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.

“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.”

Before his passing, Pope Francis broke from tradition regarding his burial wishes, expressing his desire to be interred in the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.

While popes are customarily laid to rest in the grottoes beneath St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, Francis chose instead to be buried in the location where he frequently prayed before and after international trips.

“The place is already prepared. I wish to be buried in St. Mary Major,” Pope Francis stated in 2023, highlighting his deep devotion to the Byzantine Icon of Our Lady, Protectress of the Roman People.