J.D. Vance Says Pope Francis Was 'Obviously Very Ill' After Meeting Him Day Before His Death

• Vice President J.D. Vance shared a tribute to Pope Francis after his death on Monday, April 21
• Vance met with Pope Francis one day before his death on Easter Sunday
• Pope Francis was 88 at the time of his death

J.D. Vance is paying his respects to Pope Francis.

On Monday, April 21, the U.S. Vice President, 40, shared a statement on X (formerly known as Twitter) following the announcement of the pope’s death at the age of 88 on Easter Monday.

“I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him,” Vance wrote in his post.

He added, “I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful.” 

“May God rest his soul,” Vance concluded.

The day before his death, the Pope met with Vance and delivered his yearly address for Easter.

According to British newspaper The Guardian, Vance met with the pope at his residence at the Vatican hotel.

Francis also reportedly offered the vice president three big chocolate Easter eggs for Vance’s three children, who were not present, as well as a Vatican tie and rosaries.

"I know you have not been feeling great, but it’s good to see you in better health,” Vance told the Pope, per The Guardian. “Thank you for seeing me.”

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President Donald Trump also shared his own tribute, posting to the White House account on X, writing, "Rest in Peace, Pope Francis," alongside photos of himself and wife Melania Trump meeting the pope as well as an image of Vance's final meeting with Pope Francis.

The head of the Catholic Church and leader of the world's approximately 1.3 billion Catholics had suffered from multiple health issues over the years.

He was discharged from the hospital in March after being treated for double pneumonia.

This came after a 38-day stay in hospital, where he was initially admitted for bronchitis.

Vatican News confirmed his death in a post on X on April 21.

"Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta,” the statement read.

In a release posted by the Vatican, Cardinal Farrell also said, "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 a.m. this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church."

"He taught us to live the values ​​of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized," the statement continued. "With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God."