At 9:45 AM on April 21, 2025, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, announced the death of Pope Francis from the Casa Santa Marta. With deep sorrow, he shared the news with the following words:
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
Pope Francis leaves behind an enduring legacy of faith, compassion, and service, a legacy that was evident until his final days. The Pope’s life was defined by his humility and dedication to serving the poor and marginalized. However, it was in the final moments of his earthly journey that Pope Francis also demonstrated his lasting commitment to interfaith dialogue and unity.
In a poignant moment just before his death, Pope Francis met with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance on Easter Sunday at the Casa Santa Marta. This brief encounter was not just an ordinary meeting but a symbolic gesture of blessing and reconciliation. The meeting, which took place around 11:30 a.m., was significant as it marked Vice President Vance’s first official visit to the Vatican since taking office in January. During this private audience, which lasted only a few minutes, the pope and the vice president exchanged warm Easter greetings, speaking briefly in English. Vance thanked Pope Francis for receiving him, noting, “It’s good to see you in better health,” a comment that the pope responded to warmly.
Their exchange was more than a simple greeting; it was a moment of profound connection. As a gesture of goodwill and affection, Pope Francis presented Vice President Vance with several thoughtful gifts: a Vatican tie, a red rosary for him, white rosaries for his children, and a set of three large chocolate Easter eggs. A special white rosary was also designated for Vance’s wife. The vice president expressed his gratitude, replying, “Thank you. It’s beautiful.” This brief but meaningful interaction exemplified the Pope’s tradition of warmth, inclusivity, and personal connection, right before he departed from this world.
In many ways, this meeting felt like a final blessing for Vance, symbolizing the Pope’s desire to extend his spiritual guidance to the world’s leaders, ensuring that the messages of peace, love, and compassion would resonate even after his passing. The meeting also followed a formal conversation the previous day between Vice President Vance and Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Secretary of State of the Vatican, focusing on international relations, religious freedom, and humanitarian issues.
Pope Francis’ gesture towards Vice President Vance carries an added significance in the context of his passing. The Pope’s blessing, delivered with gentleness and compassion, reminds us all of his life-long commitment to fostering relationships with world leaders and extending Christ’s message of peace, compassion, and hope. For Vance, it was a moment of personal connection with a leader whose influence transcended religious and political boundaries.
As the world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, leaders across the globe have expressed their admiration for his remarkable leadership. U.S. President Joe Biden, a devout Catholic, conveyed his deep sorrow in a statement: “Pope Francis was a voice of compassion, humility, and understanding in a world too often divided by strife. His legacy of love and service to the marginalized will continue to inspire us all.”
French President Emmanuel Macron, too, honored Pope Francis’ impact: “Pope Francis embodied the values of compassion, solidarity, and peace. He led with a heart full of grace and wisdom, guiding not just Catholics but the entire world toward a more just and compassionate future.”
The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, reflected on Pope Francis’ moral leadership: “Pope Francis was a moral leader for our time. His messages on the environment, poverty, and peace resonated with people of all faiths and backgrounds. His death is a loss for humanity.”
In his final days, Pope Francis continued to leave a lasting imprint on the world, not just through his public actions, but through personal gestures of kindness and reconciliation, such as his meeting with Vice President Vance. As the Vatican prepares for the transition to a new pontificate, Pope Francis’ teachings and legacy will continue to inspire people across the globe to live with courage, to love universally, and to serve with compassion.
In Cardinal Farrell’s words, we commend Pope Francis’ soul to the merciful love of God. His journey of faith, service, and love will remain an inspiration for generations to come.
Rest in peace, Pope Francis. Your life and your teachings will remain a guiding light for all of us.
