Former U.S. President Donald Trump has paid tribute to Pope Francis following the pontiff’s death, offering a brief but respectful message on his social media platform, Truth Social:
“Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!”
The post marked a notable moment of reflection, considering the late pope’s public criticism of Trump’s immigration policies during his first term.
In 2016, Pope Francis famously declared that “a person who thinks only about building walls […] and not of building bridges, is not Christian,” in reference to Trump’s plans for a U.S.-Mexico border wall.
Trump hit back, calling the comments “disgraceful” and accusing Mexico of influencing the Pope’s views.
Despite their past clashes, Trump’s tribute suggests a softened tone amid global mourning for the pontiff, who led the Catholic Church from 2013 until his death.
Vice President JD Vance, who met Pope Francis on Easter Sunday in Rome, was among the first U.S. leaders to issue a public statement. Posting from India, where he is on a diplomatic mission, Vance shared heartfelt reflections:
“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’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.”
Vance, a Catholic convert, had previously held talks with Vatican officials on contentious issues like mass deportations — a point of divergence between the Trump administration and the Church.
Though their legacies often collided, both Trump and Vance now join global voices in honouring the life and spiritual leadership of Pope Francis.
