...
By Giulia Carbonaro
Senior Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The White House issued an official statement mourning the death of Pope Francis, who passed away early on Easter Monday morning after a prolonged period of illness. He was 88.
"Rest in Peace, Pope Francis," the White House wrote on X, sharing images of the pope's meeting with President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump, and Vice President JD Vance, who saw him in the Vatican on Sunday.
Trump posted his tribute on his social media platform, Truth Social, writing: "Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!"
Read More on News
The brief message marks the first personal response from the president since the Vatican confirmed the pontiff's passing, which followed that made hours earlier by Vance.
The Context
Pope Francis—whose real name was Jorge Mario Bergoglio—was known for his sharp criticism of Trump, whom he recently rebuked for his administration's aggressive immigration policies. In a letter in February, the pope accused the U.S. president of causing "unnecessary suffering to our migrant and refugee brothers and sisters."
Back in 2016, during the U.S. president's first White House campaign, Francis said Trump was "not Christian" in his stance to migrants. Trump responded by accusing the pope of being manipulated by foreign governments.
The two leaders, who also clashed on issues linked to LGBTQ+ rights and climate change, met in 2017 in a highly anticipated meeting described by Trump at the time as "fantastic." Despite the differences in opinion between Trump and Pope Francis on multiple issues, the U.S. president always showed respect for the pontiff, describing him at the time as "something."
...
What To Know
Pope Francis' death was officially confirmed by the Vatican on Monday morning, weeks after he had been discharged from the hospital where he battled with double pneumonia and other health issues.
His passing marks the end of a phenomenal period of sweeping reform for the Catholic Church spearheaded by the Latin American pope during his 12 years in the Holy Seat. Pope Francis, who was considered an outsider at the time of his election to the throne of St. Peter, was an outspoken advocate for social justice who tried to rejuvenate the Vatican and soften its stance on many issues that the more conservative side of the Church was reluctant to compromise on.
His death on Monday morning triggered a wave of global mourning, with leaders from across the political and religious spectrum offering condolences.
What People Are Saying
Donald Trump: "Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!"
The White House: "Rest in Peace, Pope Francis."
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.
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."
Melania Trump on X later Monday night: "On this Easter Monday, we remember His Holiness, Pope Francis. I join millions of people around the world in mourning his loss. I will always cherish my trip to the Holy See in 2017. May he rest in peace."
What's Next
Pope Francis' funeral is expected to be less elaborate than in the past, thanks to reform that he himself implemented. He opted for a simple wooden coffin, where his body will remain when members of the public are invited to pay their respects instead of being raised on an elevated platform.
The Vatican is expected to release full funeral arrangements later this week. The White House has not yet confirmed whether President Trump or another senior administration official will attend the funeral.
In the meantime, the College of Cardinals will prepare to enter conclave to elect the next pope, marking the beginning of a transition that will shape the future of the Catholic Church for decades to come.
Update 4/21/25, 9:17 p.m. ET: This article was updated with Melania Trump's post on X.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines