JD Vance pays tribute to Pope Francis as he recalls meeting Pope hours before his death

Vice President JD Vance has paid tribute to Pope Francis after the Vatican confirmed the head of the Roman Catholic Church has died aged 88.

Pope Francis, whose real name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio, experienced ill health in recent months after suffering a respiratory infection, chronic bronchitis, which developed into pneumonia in both lungs, and a mild kidney failure.

The Vatican confirmed on Monday (April 21) that Francis had died at 7:35am local time.

Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell said: “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 home 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 faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised.

Pope Francis has died aged 88 (Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)

“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 God, One and Tribune.″

Vance, who is a Catholic convert, touched down in Vatican City over the weekend for a meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the secretary of state, and foreign minister, Archbishop Paul Gallagher.

The Vatican admitted to 'cordial' talks between the two parties, with Vance believed to have met Francis himself.

The vice president has taken to Twitter this morning to pay his respects to Francis after the Vatican confirmed the sad news.

Vance wrote: "I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. 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. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful.

JD Vance with Pope Francis over the weekend (Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)

"May God rest his soul."

Prior to his death, Pope Francis revealed he would be going against tradition and would be laid to rest in the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.

Popes are traditionally buried in the grottoes below St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, but Francis instead decided he wanted to be buried in the place he would go to pray before and after trips overseas.

“The place is already prepared. I wish to be buried in St. Mary Major,” Pope Francis said in 2023, adding that he had great devotion to Byzantine Icon of Our Lady, Protectress of the Roman People.