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President Trump and other U.S. political figures expressed their condolences following the death of Pope Francis on April 21 at the age of 88.
Donald Trump ordered flags at public buildings, military installations, and embassies to be flown at half-staff in the Pope's memory. The former president and his wife, Melania Trump, plan to attend the funeral. "Rest in Peace Pope Francis!” Trump stated on Truth Social. “May God Bless him and all who loved him!” He added at the White House Easter Egg Roll, "He was a good man, worked hard. He loved the world and it’s an honor to do that."
Pope Francis' passing occurred shortly after a hospital stay in Rome. Before his death, he gave his Easter blessing "urbi et orbi" and met briefly with U.S. Vice President JD Vance. "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," Vance stated. "I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill."
Former President Joe Biden, a Catholic, paid tribute to Pope Francis, describing him as "one of the most consequential leaders of our time." Biden recalled Pope Francis' commitment to serving the vulnerable and his advocacy for peace and combating climate change.
Pope Francis made a significant impact on U.S. soil in 2015 during his sole visit to the country, which included meeting leaders and addressing Congress. "A nation can be considered great when it defends liberty as Lincoln did," he said.
Reflections on Pope Francis' advocacy came from notable figures, including House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and former President Barack Obama. "Pope Francis was the rare leader who made us want to be better people," Obama noted.
John Boehner, former House Speaker and Catholic, remembered their personal interaction: "'Speaker, will you pray for me?' With those words, Pope Francis changed my life."
The U.S. paid tribute to Pope Francis, acknowledging his compassion and leadership. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed his condolences, joining Catholics worldwide in mourning. The U.S. Embassy to the Holy See recognized Pope Francis as a "beacon of compassion, hope, and humility."
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the Catholic Church’s 266th pope, serving since March 13, 2013. His leadership and dedication to addressing numerous global issues remain a legacy that many political figures and citizens alike commemorate.
