The Vatican officially confirmed the death of Pope Francis early Easter Monday morning, following a prolonged illness. The beloved pontiff was 88 years old. His passing marks the end of a transformative era in the Catholic Church, defined by bold reforms and unwavering advocacy for social justice.
White House and President Trump Respond to Pope Francis’ Death
In a solemn statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), the White House mourned the pope’s passing, writing:
“Rest in Peace, Pope Francis.”
The message was accompanied by photos from the pope’s meeting with then-President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and Vice President J.D. Vance, who reportedly visited the Vatican on Sunday—just one day before the pope’s passing.
Shortly afterward, President Trump paid tribute to the late pontiff on his social media platform, Truth Social:
“Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God bless him and all who loved him!”
Vice President Vance also expressed his condolences:
“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.”
Pope Francis and Trump: A History of Tensions and Respect
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, Pope Francis was often at odds with Donald Trump during his presidency. In a notable 2016 clash, the pope questioned Trump’s Christian values due to his hardline stance on immigration. Trump responded by accusing the pope of being influenced by foreign governments.
Despite public disagreements on immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and climate change, the two leaders met in 2017 for what Trump described as a “fantastic” encounter. Though critical of Trump’s policies, Pope Francis was always treated with respect by the former president, who once described the pontiff as “something.”
Legacy of Pope Francis: Reform, Humility, and Global Impact
Pope Francis’ death concludes a historic 12-year papacy that reshaped the modern Catholic Church. As the first Latin American pope and a vocal advocate for the marginalized, Francis championed reform and worked to soften the Church’s stance on controversial issues.
Among his many initiatives, he:
- Promoted greater inclusivity in Church doctrine
- Advocated for environmental stewardship and climate action
- Addressed clerical abuse with stronger accountability measures
- Encouraged compassion toward immigrants and refugees
His humble leadership style and commitment to transparency won praise from both religious and political leaders around the world.
Funeral Plans and What’s Next for the Catholic Church
The Vatican is expected to announce full funeral details later this week. In line with reforms introduced by Pope Francis himself, his funeral will be simpler than traditional papal ceremonies. His body will lie in a plain wooden coffin, and no elevated platform will be used during public viewing.
The White House has not confirmed whether President Trump or another senior U.S. official will attend the funeral.
Meanwhile, the College of Cardinals will soon enter conclave to elect the next pope. This critical transition will shape the future direction of the Catholic Church for generations to come.