Vance, Pope: Political Differences Minimized
- NEW DELHI (AP) — Vice President JD Vance said he felt lucky to have met with Pope Francis shortly before the pontiff's death on monday at the age...
- Vance, a Catholic convert, downplayed any political disagreements between the Trump administration and Pope Francis, who had been critical of some U.S.
- "Its crazy, really," Vance told reporters in India, reflecting on the brief meeting.
Vance Reflects on Meeting with Pope Francis Days Before PontiffS Death
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NEW DELHI (AP) — Vice President JD Vance said he felt lucky to have met with Pope Francis shortly before the pontiff’s death on monday at the age of 88. vance’s visit to the Vatican occurred on Easter Sunday, during a trip to Italy.
Vance Downplays Policy Disagreements
Vance, a Catholic convert, downplayed any political disagreements between the Trump administration and Pope Francis, who had been critical of some U.S. policies.
“Its crazy, really,” Vance told reporters in India, reflecting on the brief meeting. “And, obviously, when I saw him, he didn’t know that he had less than 24 hours on this land. I think it was a great blessing.”
He added, “I was lucky to be able to shake hands and tell him that I pray for him every day, because…I did and I still do it.”
Remembering a ‘Great Christian Shepherd‘
While Pope francis had previously criticized the immigration policies of then-President Donald Trump, Vance chose to focus on the pontiff’s spiritual leadership.
“I am aware that I had some disagreements with some policies of our administration. I also agreed with some of them,” Vance acknowledged.
“I will not stain… this man’s legacy talking about politics,” Vance stated. “I think it was a great Christian shepherd, and that’s how I choose to remember the Holy Father.”
Future of the Papacy
When asked about the direction of the papacy and whether the next pope would follow a similar progressive path or revert to a more conventional approach, Vance hesitated to speculate.
“I do not intend to guide the cardinals about who shoudl choose as next Pope. We have many issues to address in the United States,” Vance said.”I will only ask wisdom, because obviously I want them to choose the right person. I want them to choose someone who is good for Catholics in the world.”
Details of the Vatican Meeting
During the Easter Sunday meeting, Vance greeted Pope Francis, who was seated in a wheelchair.According to a Vatican video, the pope’s words were inaudible.
“I know you haven’t felt very good, but it’s good to see you with better health,” Vance said to the Pope.
A priest,acting as a translator,presented Vance with chocolate eggs,rosaries,and a Vatican tie.
“Thank you,” Vance said, holding up the tie. “It is so beautiful.”
Before departing, vance said, “I pray for you every day. God bless you.”
Meeting with Cardinal Parolin
Prior to meeting the Pope, Vance met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin for what the Vatican described as an “exchange of opinions.”
JD Vance Reflects on Meeting Pope Francis: A Q&A
this article provides an insightful look into the encounter between Vice President JD Vance and Pope francis, offering a glimpse into their interaction just days before the Pope’s passing. We delve into the details of the meeting, Vance’s reactions, and the broader implications for the Catholic Church.
Q: When and where did JD Vance meet Pope Francis?
JD Vance’s meeting with Pope Francis took place on Easter Sunday at the Vatican. This meeting occured during Vance’s trip to Italy.
Q: What was Vance’s immediate reaction to meeting the Pope shortly before his death?
Vance expressed feeling “lucky” to have met Pope Francis shortly before his passing. He reflected on it as a blessing.
Q: Did Vance discuss any political disagreements with Pope francis during their meeting?
No, Vance purposefully downplayed any political disagreements. He is quoted as saying, “I will not stain… this man’s legacy talking about politics.” he chose to focus on the Pope’s spiritual leadership.
Q: What specifically did Vance say to the Pope during their meeting?
As reported, Vance greeted Pope Francis by saying, “I no you haven’t felt very good, but it’s good to see you with better health.” He also expressed his daily prayers for the pontiff, saying, “I pray for you every day.God bless you.”
Q: What gifts did Vance receive during his visit to the Vatican?
During the meeting,a priest acting as a translator presented Vance with chocolate eggs,rosaries,and a Vatican tie. Vance responded to the gift of the tie by saying,”thank you. It is so beautiful.”
Q: Did Vance meet with anyone else during his visit to the Vatican?
Yes,before meeting the pope,Vance met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin for what the Vatican described as an “exchange of opinions.”
Q: How did Vance characterize Pope Francis’s leadership?
Vance chose to remember Pope Francis as a “great Christian shepherd.” He didn’t want to focus on any political disagreements, but upon the spiritual legacy.
Q: What did Vance say about the future of the Papacy and the selection of a new Pope?
When asked about the direction of the papacy, Vance chose not to speculate on the next Pope. he stated, “I do not intend to guide the cardinals about who shoudl choose as next Pope. We have many issues to address in the United states”. He added, ”I will only ask wisdom, as obviously I want them to choose the right person. I want them to choose someone who is good for Catholics in the world.”
This article provides an insightful look into the encounter between Vice President JD Vance and Pope Francis, offering a glimpse into their interaction just days before the Pope’s passing. We delve into the details of the meeting, Vance’s reactions, and the broader implications for the Catholic Church.