World
Pope Francis Dies After Final Meeting with U.S. Vice President

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025, at 7:35 a.m., according to Cardinal Kevin Farrell of the Vatican’s press office. His passing follows a brief meeting with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance on Resurrection Sunday, marking it as the Pope’s final public engagement before his death.
Despite health concerns due to pneumonia, Pope Francis met with Vance at the Vatican after a ceremonial Mass in St. Peter's Square. The meeting, originally uncertain, was confirmed at the last minute. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, had been in discussions regarding Vance’s visit and whether the Pope could participate due to his declining health.
The private meeting took place around 11:30 a.m., coinciding with the mass taking place in the square. Though brief, it allowed for the exchange of Easter greetings, with the Vice President expressing his joy to see the Pope despite his condition.
“I know His Holiness isn’t feeling his best, but it was nice to see you in better spirits,” Vance stated during their interaction. The meeting was seen as an important diplomatic gesture aimed at improving relations between the Vatican and the United States, particularly regarding migration issues.
Pope Francis, 88, had been vocal about his concerns with the U.S. immigration policy, criticizing mass deportations initiated under the Trump administration in a letter to American bishops earlier this year. His commitment to advocating for migrants’ dignity was consistent throughout his papacy.
“At 7:35 a.m., the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the House of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to serving the Lord and His Church,” Cardinal Farrell announced in a statement released on Monday, plunging Catholics worldwide into mourning.
Just a day prior, on Easter Sunday, the Pope appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, delivering blessings to the thousands gathered in the square. He conveyed messages of peace and hope, urging for a just resolution to ongoing conflicts, particularly in Ukraine. Due to health concerns, the Easter message was read by the papal master of ceremonies, Father Diego Ravelli, while the Pope provided a frail blessing from the balcony.
The following morning, news of his death shocked the global Catholic community. J.D. Vance later expressed deep sorrow, indicating that their meeting had taken on a significant and now poignant meaning. “I’m glad I could see the Pope yesterday, though he was clearly very ill,” he shared on social media.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, was the first pontiff from South America and the first non-European in over a millennium. He prided himself on a less formal approach to the papacy, connecting deeply with global issues.
His leadership style and dedication to service amid personal challenges set a unique tone for modern Catholicism. His legacy will likely continue to influence discussions on theology and global humanitarian issues long after his passing.