Reactions to Pope Francis' Death: Trump, Vance, and Biden Respond

White House Reactions to Pope Francis' Passing

• 🕊️ President Trump posted on Truth Social, saying "Rest in peace," and "May God bless him and all who loved him."
• 🤝 Trump met with Pope Francis for about 30 minutes in May 2017 during his first term.

Vice President Vance's Meeting and Remarks

• 🇻🇦 Vice President JD Vance met with Pope Francis yesterday, describing the meeting as a positive experience despite the Pope's illness.
• 📖 Vance recalled a homily given by the Pope during the COVID pandemic, stating he will remember him for it.
• 🍫 The Pope gifted Vance chocolates for his children during their meeting on Easter Sunday.

Contrasting Views on Immigration

• 🌍 Pope Francis' papacy was marked by sympathy for migrants, a stance that created friction with the Trump administration's policies.
• 🧱 The Pope had previously criticized Trump's immigration stance, stating that building walls is not Christian.
• 🤝 Despite public criticism, both Trump and Vance maintained efforts to engage with the Vatican.

President Biden's Statement

• 🕯️ President Biden, the second Catholic president, issued a statement calling Pope Francis one of the most consequential leaders of our time.
• 🤝 Biden noted he was "better for having known him for decades" and highlighted the Pope's mission of serving the poor.
• 🗓️ Biden met with Pope Francis in October 2021, one of several meetings during his time as president and vice president.