U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with Pope Francis on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, in what would become one of the pontiff’s final public engagements before his passing. The brief encounter at the Vatican’s Domus Santa Marta was an exchange of Easter greetings between the two leaders. Vance, a Catholic convert, greeted the pope with “Hello, so good to see you,” as he reached down to take Francis’s hand. The pope, seated in a wheelchair, responded with inaudible words, captured in a video released by the Vatican.
Reflecting on the meeting, Vance described it as “pretty crazy” that Pope Francis passed away so soon after their conversation. He praised the pope as “a great Christian pastor,” emphasizing Francis’s advocacy for marginalized communities and his embodiment of Christian love.
Despite their brief interaction, the meeting attracted attention due to the contrasting views between Vance and the late pope. Francis had previously criticized Vance’s political positions, particularly on issues like immigration. In a February 2025 letter to U.S. bishops, Francis expressed concerns about political leaders who “weaponize” faith for ideological purposes, a sentiment interpreted by many as a critique of Vance’s rhetoric.
Vance’s visit to the Vatican was part of a broader diplomatic trip to Italy and India, during which he engaged in discussions on trade and international security. He was accompanied by his wife, Usha, and their three children, presenting a family-oriented image on the global stage.
Following Pope Francis’s death, speculation has arisen regarding the influence of conservative American figures, including Vance, in the upcoming papal conclave. Some analysts suggest that right-wing populists may seek to align the next pope with their views on identity, immigration, and gender, potentially mirroring Vladimir Putin's alignment with the Russian Orthodox Church.
In the wake of the pope’s passing, Vance expressed his thoughts on being among the last to meet with Francis, describing the experience as a “great blessing” and reflecting on the significance of the encounter.
The meeting between JD Vance and Pope Francis, though brief, has become emblematic of the complex intersection between politics and religion, highlighting the enduring influence of the papacy on global affairs and the evolving role of American leaders in shaping religious discourse.
