Welp… the world just lost one of its most iconic religious leaders, and naturally, his final photo op had a twist no one had on their 2025 bingo card: Vice President JD Vance. Yup, that JD Vance. If you’re wondering how we got here—same.
ICYMI (because you were probably distracted by cat videos or that never-ending TikTok scroll), Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, sadly passed away on Monday, April 21. RIP to the beloved spiritual leader, advocate for peace, and owner of the world’s most powerful popemobile.
But plot twist: just hours before his passing, Pope Francis had a sit-down at the Vatican with Vice President “Hillbilly Elegy” himself—JD Vance. They met at Casa Santa Marta, which sounds like a chill Airbnb in Tuscany, but is actually where the Pope lived and held secret holy meetings (and, apparently, surprise American political cameos).
Following the news, JD Vance posted on X (aka Twitter, but rebranded for drama), and said:
“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. May God rest his soul.”
Touching. Classy. 10/10 no notes. But still, it’s hard not to be shocked. Like, imagine being the Pope, knowing your final Instagram story is a boomerang with JD Vance.
Regardless of politics or papal pop culture, there’s no denying Pope Francis made history—from selfies with teens to progressive stances that had traditionalists sweating in their vestments. His final public moment might’ve been unexpected, but hey, life’s weird like that.
Fly high, Pope Francis. Heaven just got a lot more compassionate… and maybe a little more photogenic.
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…
— JD Vance (@JDVance) April 21, 2025
