President Donald Trump paid tribute to Pope Francis on Truth Social following reports of the pontiff’s death. Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, had previously criticized Trump’s immigration policies during his 2016 campaign. Despite past tensions, Trump shared a message of condolence: “Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!” He later announced that U.S. flags would be flown at half-staff across all federal buildings and embassies until the pope’s interment.
Vice President JD Vance, who met Pope Francis on Easter Sunday, was among the first to respond, expressing sorrow from India, where he’s on a diplomatic mission. Vance recalled a homily from early in the COVID-19 pandemic that deeply moved him, adding, “May God rest his soul.” The Vatican confirmed Vance’s recent visit for Easter greetings.
Vance, a Catholic convert since 2019, had previously discussed migration issues with Vatican officials, mirroring earlier disputes between Trump and the pope. Pope Francis had publicly criticized Trump’s proposed border wall, saying in 2016, “A person who thinks only about building walls and not building bridges is not Christian.” In response, Trump had called the pope’s comments “disgraceful,” defending his Christian faith and accusing political actors of using the pontiff as a pawn.
Trump had also criticized Pope Francis shortly after his papal election in 2013 for paying a hotel bill in person, calling it “not Pope-like.” Despite this, Trump congratulated Catholics on the pope’s selection, noting that “people who know him love him.”
During his 2017 Vatican visit, Trump described the pope as “a humble man, very much like me,” suggesting that was why he admired him.
The White House echoed Trump’s tribute with a brief post on X, sharing photos from that visit alongside Vance’s recent meeting.
