The Pope had to spend his final day with JD Vance
JD Vance visited Pope Francis at the Vatican on Easter Sunday. (Getty)
JD Vance visited Pope Francis at the Vatican on Easter Sunday. (Getty)
In a twist no one had on their Easter Sunday bingo card, US Vice President JD Vance met briefly with Pope Francis at the Vatican, marking a significant moment between US and Vatican relations.
The encounter, held at the Domus Santa Marta, came just hours before the Pope’s passing at age 88, following a prolonged battle with double pneumonia.
Vance, a Catholic convert, has been known for championing some pretty un-Christian immigration policies but he seemed all smiles as he stood beside a Pope who famously condemned border walls and nationalist rhetoric from the Trump administration.
The Pope has also criticised US government plans for mass deportations and cuts to foreign aid, which he labeled as violations of human dignity.
Vance however defended these policies using the concept of “ordo amoris,” suggesting a prioritization of Americans over immigrants – a stance the Pope publicly rebuked, advocating instead for universal love, as espoused by Jesus in the Bible.
Despite their differences, Vance expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet the Pope and wished him continued recovery from his recent illness.
During his visit, Vance and his wife toured the Sistine Chapel and engaged in discussions with Vatican officials on global issues, including migration and international conflicts.
In his final public appearance, Pope Francis delivered the traditional Easter blessing at St. Peter’s Square, emphasizing compassion for the vulnerable, especially migrants.
Global leaders, including Vance, have since paid tribute to the Pope’s legacy in light of the announcement of his death, highlighting his unwavering support for victims of displacement and conflict.
Vance posted on X earlier today that he had just learned of the Pope’s passing and subsequently shared a link to a March 2020 homily that he said he would remember him by.
“I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him,” he said.
