Pope Francis passed away early this morning at age 88, following months of illness and a five-week hospital stay for double pneumonia. His death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, who said the Pope “returned to the home of the Father” at 7:35 a.m. Tributes from world leaders have poured in, recognizing Francis for his progressive stances on environmental issues and LGBTQ+ rights.
Just hours before his passing, U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with Pope Francis on Easter Sunday. Despite the Pope’s frail condition, they exchanged gifts and warm words. Vance later expressed his condolences on X, saying he was grateful for the chance to see Francis one last time and shared a moving homily the Pope had delivered during the early days of COVID-19.
Their meeting gained attention due to past tensions between the Vatican and the Trump administration over immigration. Pope Francis had previously criticized U.S. deportation policies, warning they could create a major humanitarian crisis. Despite these disagreements, the final meeting between Vance and Francis was marked by mutual respect.
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