Vice President Vance received audiences on Easter Sunday the day before Pope Francis died
WASHINGTON (AP) – The last encounter before Pope Francis' death was with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and a weekend visit to the Vatican.
The meeting was held on Easter Sunday. The Catholic convert Ivans entered the room and reached for the pope's hand. “Hello,” the vice president said. “Nice to meet you.”
Francis is in a wheelchair and a video released by the Vatican is inaudible.
“I know you haven't felt good yet, but it's great to see you in good health,” Vance said.
The priest who served as a translator spoke to the pope.
“These are for your children,” the pastor said, and someone showed Vance to Vance. Next comes a bunch of other gifts, including rosary and Vatican tie.
“Thank you,” Vance said as he held his dark tie. “So beautiful.”
They pose for pictures, Vance stands on the right side of the pope and says goodbye.
“I pray for you every day,” Vance said. “God bless you.”
Vance's visit was not without political sensitivity, and he met with what the Vatican called a “exchange of opinions” with Pietro Parolin on Saturday. The Catholic Church under Francis advocates for the right to immigrate, while Vance and Donald Trump advocate repression.
Vance's office said the vice president and cardinal “discussed their shared religious beliefs, the plight of Catholicism in the United States, persecuted Christian communities around the world, and President Trump's commitment to restoring world peace.”
Leavitt told reporters she spoke with members of Vance's team Monday morning after Francis' death.
“They expressed the opportunity to meet with the Pope yesterday and how excited and grateful they expressed their feelings of being.”
Levitt added that Francis touched millions of lives throughout his tenure, so it was a solemn day for Catholics around the world and we are praying for all who love the Pope and believe in him. ”
President Donald Trump issued a statement on truth: “Rest in peace in Pope Francis! May God bless him and all those who love him!”
Vance continued to travel to India after he was in Italy, and he posted other ideas on social media.
He wrote on X: “I just learned about the death of Pope Francis. My heart pays tribute to the millions of Christians who love him. I was very happy to see him yesterday, although he was obviously sick.”
Vance shared the links with Francis’ comments on March 27, 2020, because in 19020, when Covid-19 spread around the world.
“I will always remember him because he gave the affection below in the early days of Covid,” Vance wrote. “It's really beautiful.”
Francis speaks from St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
“The thick darkness gathers on our squares, on the streets and on our cities,” he said. “It takes up our lives, full of deafening silence and frustrating blankets.”
He encourages people to rely on their faith to help and then endure “for God’s life never dies.”
