President Donald Trump shared a short message of remembrance for Pope Francis in the wake of the pope’s death on Easter Monday.
“Rest in Peace Pope Francis!” Trump posted on Truth Social. “May God Bless him and all who loved him!”
POPE FRANCIS, LEADER OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, DEAD AT 88
The pope died early on Monday, just hours after meeting with Vice President JD Vance. The vice president shared his own message earlier in the day.
“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.
Trump, who was raised as a Presbyterian and now describes himself as a nondenominational Christian, met with the pope during his first term, though the pair were sometimes at odds on topics such as immigration policy.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also spoke on the matter during an appearance on Fox News.
“The pope has gone to be with the lord this morning, and I spoke to the president about that as well,” Leavitt said. “He has put out a statement to say God bless the pope and all those who loved him. He touched millions of lives throughout his tenure as the head of the Catholic Church, and so it’s a solemn day for Catholics around the world. We are praying for all of those who loved the pope and believed in him.”
Vance pays tribute to Pope Francis after meeting him hours before his death
Leavitt said she does not know if Trump will travel to the Vatican for the pope’s funeral.
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.