A look back at Pope Francis’ legacy with US leaders
The passing of Pope Francis, who served as the leader of the Catholic Church for 12 years, has left a void in the hearts of many, including U.S. presidents who mourned his death on Monday. President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to express his condolences, saying, \”Rest in Peace Pope Francis! May God Bless him and all who loved him!\”
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, was elected by the College of Cardinals in March 2013, becoming the first non-European pope in over a millennium. He passed away at the age of 88 at the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta after battling complications from bronchitis and pneumonia.
Vice President JD Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, had the privilege of meeting with Pope Francis just hours before his passing. Vance shared his condolences on X, mentioning the pope’s illness and sharing a link to one of his homilies from 2020. Trump also ordered all U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff in memory of Pope Francis.
Former President Barack Obama, who met with Pope Francis in 2014 and 2015, praised the late pope for his humility and leadership. Obama stated, \”In his humility and his gestures at once simple and profound – embracing the sick, ministering to the homeless, washing the feet of young prisoners – he shook us out of our complacency and reminded us that we are all bound by moral obligations to God and one another.\”
On the other hand, President Trump, who met with Pope Francis in 2017, had a more complex relationship with the pontiff due to disagreements over immigration policies. Despite their differences, Pope Francis remained vocal about issues such as mass deportations and the dignity of vulnerable populations.
President Joe Biden, the second Catholic U.S. president, also had a close relationship with Pope Francis. The two leaders met in October 2021 to discuss climate change and advocacy for the poor. Biden awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom in January, describing him as a \”consequential\” leader and a \”Pope for everyone.\”
Pope Francis leaves behind a legacy of compassion, service to the poor, and a commitment to social justice. His impact on the world and his interactions with U.S. presidents will be remembered for years to come.
