In a moment marked by deep personal reflection and spiritual significance, Vice President JD Vance has shared details of his recent encounter with Pope Francis, a meeting that took place just one day before the pontiff’s passing.
Vance described the experience as a symbolic gesture from a higher power and one he regards as an unforgettable honor.
The meeting occurred on Easter Sunday during Vance’s visit to the Vatican. After a brief audience with Pope Francis and attending mass together, the Vice President left for a scheduled diplomatic trip to India.
Just hours after arriving in India, Vance received heartbreaking news from his staff.
“About an hour after we landed, a staffer came over and said, ‘Sir, the pope died,’” he told Fox News Digital. “I obviously felt very sad, and my thought went immediately to the pope, but also to all these Catholics who love him.”
He continued by acknowledging the surreal nature of the moment.
“Then it kind of hit me oh my God I was one of the last people to talk to him. I just take it as a great honor and a sign from God to remember that you never know when your last day on this Earth is.”
Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, said the meeting with Pope Francis was not prearranged and came as a surprise. Despite the brief nature of their exchange, the Vice President described it as “gracious” and profoundly meaningful.
The Pope, though visibly frail, warmly welcomed Vance and offered thoughtful gifts. According to reports, he gave the Vice President three chocolate Easter eggs for his young children, as well as a Vatican tie and rosary beads.
“The pope was very kind he was obviously very frail,” Vance recalled. “We didn’t spend a lot of time together. It was mostly exchanging pleasantries, but he gave a few gifts he gave my kids Easter baskets, and there was just this very sweet moment.”
This touching encounter has deeply affected Vance, reinforcing his faith and offering a humbling reminder of life’s unpredictability. His reflections suggest a renewed sense of spiritual perspective and gratitude for the opportunity to meet a figure so revered by millions around the world.
Pope Francis, who served as the head of the Catholic Church for over a decade, passed away peacefully at the Vatican. His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from global leaders, religious communities, and countless admirers.
