Why Pope Francis had 'quick and private' meeting with JD Vance right before his death

JD Vance met with Pope Francis the day before his death, after an 'exchange of opinions' between the Trump administration and the Vatican.

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."

The Pope's final public appearance was just yesterday (20 April) on Easter Sunday, as he waved to the masses that had gathered to get a glimpse of him on the holy day.

But it seems that the vice-president JD Vance was one of the last ever people to have a meeting with Francis, despite his ill health.

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

The meeting with Vance came amid a time of tension between the Vatican and the Trump administration, as the US president has cracked down on migrants and cut international aid.

JD Vance was one of the last people to meet with Pope Francis (Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)

A statement said that there was 'cordial talks' between the two, and that the Vatican was satisfied with the US government's commitment to protecting the freedom of religion.

It read: "There was an exchange of opinions on the international situation, especially regarding countries affected by war, political tensions and difficult humanitarian situations, with particular attention to migrants, refugees and prisoners."

But Pope Francis has not spoken highly of Trump's policies in previous times.

In an open letter to the US Catholic bishops in February, Pope Francis suggested that Trump's deportation plans were a 'disgrace.'

He also noted that it would be a 'major crisis' for the US.

There has been a conflict of opinions in recent times between the Vatican and the Trump administration (Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)

Francis wrote: "What is built on the basis of force, and not on the truth about the equal dignity of every human being, begins badly and will end badly."

Upon revelation of his death earlier this morning, JD Vance released a statement sharing his condolences, while acknowledging that he was obviously very ill.

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."