Vice President Vance reflects deeply on what has now become one of the most significant encounters of his political life, a meeting with Pope Francis that occurred just hours before the Pope’s passing earlier this week.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to India, Vance described the moment as “pretty crazy” when asked about being one of the final officials to meet the pontiff before his sudden death.
“It was unexpected. When I saw him, there was no sign that he only had less than 24 hours to live,” Vance stated. “I feel truly blessed to have had that moment. He met so many people throughout his life, changed so many lives, I’m just grateful I had the chance to shake his hand.”
Vance met with Pope Francis during a trip to Rome on Sunday, April 20, 2025. The visit was part of a scheduled tour that included stops at the Vatican, where Vance also held talks with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State.
Photos of the vice president and the Pope during their brief meeting quickly circulated online shortly before the tragic news broke. The Pope, who had been battling health issues, passed away in the early hours of Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.
The Vatican confirmed his passing in an official statement released by Cardinal Kevin Farrell. It was revealed that the cause of death was a stroke followed by irreversible heart failure.
Pope Francis’ funeral has been scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025, and is expected to attract numerous dignitaries and leaders from around the globe.
Among the confirmed attendees are U.S. President Donald Trump and Melania Trump, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Italian President Sergio Mattarella alongside Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The ceremony will take place at the Vatican City, where preparations are underway for a farewell befitting a global spiritual leader.
