Pope Francis' death: J.D. Vance was one of the last American officers to see him alive
Vice President J.D. Vance, was one of the last international figures to meet with Pope Francis before his passing. U.S. officials offered their condolences in response to the news.
The passing of Pope Francis on Monday, April 21, elicited official responses from across the globe, including from the United States. U.S. officials expressed their condolences through formal statements, comments in the Senate, and messages on social media.
One of the last people to see the pontiff alive was U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, a close political ally of Donald Trump. The visit took place just hours before the Pope’s death and was documented in a series of photographs showing a visibly weakened Pope at the Vatican.
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The final visit: J.D. Vance meets with the Pope
J.D. Vance, met with Pope Francis at the Vatican shortly before the pontiff’s death. Photos released from the visit show the Pope seated and visibly tired, shaking hands with the U.S. legislator. Vance was accompanied by his wife, who dressed in black and wore a veil, in accordance with Vatican protocol.
The meeting was brief and held in a private setting. According to U.S. media citing sources close to the Vatican, this may have been the final meeting Pope Francis had with a foreign public figure. No official details about the content of their conversation have been disclosed.
U.S. response following the Pope’s death
Following the announcement of Pope Francis’ passing, various U.S. officials and institutions expressed their condolences. Statements from the Senate, diplomatic representatives, and religious leaders highlighted the Pope’s legacy as a global advocate for dialogue and social justice.
While the White House has yet to release a direct presidential statement, officials acknowledged the global impact of Pope Francis' leadership and his commitment to causes such as climate change, migration, and peace. The Catholic community in the United States—one of the largest in the world—has begun special prayer services and reflections in memory of the late pontiff.
