Vice President JD Vance expressed his condolences to “millions of Christians all over the world” following the death of Pope Francis just hours after meeting him face to face.
“I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis,” Vance posted on X. “My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him.”
Vance, a Catholic convert, met Francis on Easter morning. Vance and his family were visiting Italy for the weekend as Vance engaged in trade negotiations with Italian officials.
“I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill,” Vance wrote. “But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful.”
During the meeting, a video recording showed Vance telling Francis, “I know you have not been feeling great, but it’s good to see you in better health.”
AFTER SURPRISE APPEARANCE ON EASTER SUNDAY, POPE FRANCIS HAS DIED
Francis was highly critical of the Trump administration’s immigration policies, calling the mass deportations a “disgrace.”
Francis, who was recovering from bilateral pneumonia, died at 7:35 a.m. on Monday, a day after Easter Sunday. He made his last public appearance in St. Peter’s Square by riding around in his popemobile.