JD Vance pays tribute to Pope Francis as he reflects on meeting him hours before his death

Vice-President JD Vance was one of the last people to visit Pope Francis before his death, as he pays tribute the 88-year-old in a heartfelt statement.

The Vatican announced earlier this morning (21 April) that Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church, has died.

In a statement announcing his death, Cardinal Kevin Ferrell of the Vatican said: "At 7.35 this morning, the bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.

"His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his church."

His last public appearance was just yesterday (20 April) on Easter Sunday, where he greeted the masses who came out to see him on the holy day.

One of his final visitors was Vice President JD Vance, who spoke to the Pope just a day before he passed away this morning.

The Vice President was one of the last visitors the Pope ever had (Vatican Pool / Contributor / Getty)

Following the news, leaders from all over the world have paid tribute to his holiness, including King Charles and Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Vance has also issued a heartfelt statement, after being one of the last people to see the Pope.

Taking to X, he said: "I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him.

"I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill.

"But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of Covid It was really quite beautiful.

"May God rest his soul."

JD Vance noted that Pope Francis was very clearly unwell (Vatican Pool / Contributor / Getty)

Pope Francis' homily that Vance highlighted, delivered in March 2020, used a passage from the gospel of Mark (4:35) to reflect on the importance of faith in God during times of uncertainty, particularly apt during the Covid-19 crisis.

He said: "You ask us not to be afraid. Yet our faith is weak and we are fearful. But you, Lord, will not leave us at the mercy of the storm. Tell us again: "Do not be afraid.'"

Pope Francis suffered with a chronic lung disease, and had part of one lung removed much earlier in his life.

He was admitted to Gemelli hospital in Rome on 14 February this year, where he was treated for pneumonia.

The late Pope spent 38 days in hospital during this time.

Despite his health issues and reduced mobility, in his final weeks, Pope Francis kept up with a busy schedule.

Following the Pope's passing, nine days of mourning will commence before his successor will be chosen as part of a ritual known as 'papal conclave'.

The Catholic Church's most senior officials, known as the College of Cardinals, will wait 15 days before beginning the vote on who the next Pope should be.

Currently, there are 252 Catholic cardinals, 138 of whom are eligible to vote for the new Pope.