VP JD Vance’s Controversial Vatican Visit Before Pope Francis’s Death
Just a day before his death, Pope Francis briefly met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance at the Vatican. The meeting, lasting only a few minutes, came after Vance was reportedly snubbed the previous day and instead met with top Vatican officials. Despite the tension, Vance expressed gratitude and prayers for the pope’s health and received symbolic gifts, including rosaries and Easter eggs for his children.
Vance’s visit sparked backlash after a photo of him holding his son inside the Sistine Chapel went viral. Critics slammed the breach of the chapel’s strict no-photography rule, calling it disrespectful. Defenders claimed official permission may have been granted, citing past exceptions for other state visits, though no confirmation or footage has emerged.
On April 21, Pope Francis passed away, marking the end of an era. Vance, abroad in India at the time, shared condolences online, reflecting on the pope’s legacy and their final meeting.