Pope Francis Died One Day After VP J.D. Vance’s Visit

Oakland (Special to ZennieReport.com) – In a sad, shocking, and controversial turn of events, Pope Francis died just a day after the visit by Vice President J.D. Vance. The Pope asked to see VP Vance after initially reportedly rejecting his request. Here’s the detailed account provided by the White House Press Pool representative Natalie Allison of the Washington Post.

We start with accounts sent on April 18th, and to give context for the reports directly focused on Vice President Vance’s visit with Pope Francis.

April 18th, 2025

REMARKS BY VICE PRESIDENT VANCE
AND PRIME MINISTER GIORGIA MELONI
OF THE ITALIAN REPUBLIC
BEFORE BILATERAL MEETING

Palazzo Chigi
Rome, Italy

PRIME MINISTER MELONI:  (Speaks Italian.  No translation provided.)  Do you mind if I make it Italian —

VICE PRESIDENT VANCE:  Please.  Yes, go ahead.

PRIME MINISTER MELONI:  — then we’ll translate it?

VICE PRESIDENT VANCE:  Yes.

PRIME MINISTER MELONI:  (Speaks Italian.  No translation provided.)  I was simply saying thank you for being here.  I want to add that I’m proud that you decided to pass the Easter here in Rome, and — and we really hope you will enjoy this time.

And I’m honored to welcome you here in the — in Palazzo Chigi after the wonderful meeting we had yesterday in Washington, in which we’ve been discussing many topics.  Many others, we will discuss today.  But in any case — in any case, Italy and the United States are commit- — committed to announce their strong cooperation.  We think Italy can be a reliable and — and a serious partner in Europe, in the Mediterranean — in the Mediterranean area, and so we are proud to have this special relation with — with U.S. and with this admin- — administration.

VICEPRESIDENT VANCE:  Great.  Well, thank you, Prime Minister Meloni.  It’s wonderful to see you again.

And I hope that’s exactly what you said.  Of course, she could have called me a jerk, and I wouldn’t know, but it would be in the most beautiful language imaginable.  (Laughter.)  And so, I — I wouldn’t even get offended.

But I — I appreciate our friendship, both between our nations but also between us personally.  And certainly, thepresident sends his best regards to you, but to the people of Italy. 

I couldn’t help as — as I drove around these streets — we arrived this morning with my wife and our — our three young children.  We’re looking forward to spending Easter here.  But this is a s- — it is place that was built by people that love humans and love God.  And the streets, the buildings, the beautiful landscape and cityscape, I think it really lifts up the human spirit. 

So, we’re going to have some good conversations.  But I — I also take some inspiration from being in this beautiful city filled with wonderful people.  And so, we’re grateful to you, and, of course, to the people of Rome, the people of Italy for their friendship and also for their warm welcome. 

We have a couple of important issues to discuss today.  I want to update the prime minister on some of the negotiations between Russia-Ukraine and also some of the things that have happened even in the past 24 hours.  We think we have some interesting things to report on, of course, in private. 

So, those negotiations — I won’t prejudge them, but we do feel optimistic that we can hopefully bring this war, this very brutal war, to a close. 

I also, of course, want to talk to the prime minister about some of the economic relationships — very important — between Italy and the United States.  But, of course, we’re having some big trade negotiations between not just Italy and the United States but the whole European Union.  We talked a great deal about that yesterday with thepresident, and we’ll follow up on those conversations today.

But most of all, just thrilled to be in the presence of a dear friend in a beautiful place with great people. 

So, thank you for having me.

PRIME MINISTER MELONI:  Thank you very much.  Thank you very much.

From: Natalie Allison
Date:Friday, April 18, 2025 at 1:06 PM
To: VP Comms
Subject: [EXTERNAL] VP pool report #8 4/18: Two hour service ends

Vice President Vance and his family exited Saint Peter’s Basilica at 7:04 p.m., following the conclusion of a just over two-hour Good Friday service.

From where pool was positioned, it was difficult to see the VP throughout much of the service, though your pooler caught glimpses by looking through a poor, digitally zoomed iPhone lens. 

He and the second lady were seen standing and kneeling as the various parts of the service encouraged. And the VP was also seen tending to and instructing his children — picking them up and holding them at times throughout the extended standing portion of the Passion story being sung in Latin. He could be seen demonstrating to his son next to him how to kneel with hands folded. 

The second children were among the patient few kids attending the service. By the end, Vivek had resorted to the classic pen and paper doodling strategy to occupy himself during church, meanwhile gently being shushed by his mother. Ewan was seen slouched in his chair with arms folded as the two-hour mark arrived. 

Pool does not have guidance yet on what the vice president will do next.

—
Natalie Allison
White House Reporter
The Washington Post

From: Natalie Allison
Date:Friday, April 18, 2025 at 1:27 PM
To: VP Comms
Subject: [EXTERNAL] VP pool report #9 4/18: Castel Sant’Angelo + lid

A spokesperson for the vice president said he and his family left the basilica after service for Castel Sant’Angelo, where they’re getting a private tour. Pool is not along for this.

We were given a lid for the night at 7:21 p.m. 

Goodnight from Vatican City! Tomorrow the vice president is scheduled to meet with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin.

From: Natalie Allison
Date:Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 3:40 AM
To: VP Comms
Subject: [EXTERNAL] VP pool report #1 4/19: Heading toward Vatican

Good morning/bongiorno from Rome, everyone. 

Vice President Vance’s motorcade left at 9:39 a.m., but pool could not see him.

We’re now heading toward Vatican City, where the vice president is scheduled to meet with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Gallagher at 10 a.m.

Pool has been advised we are not only prohibited by the Vatican from joining the vice president for any part of the meeting (due to strict media policies, we were told), but from waiting in Vatican City at all during the meeting. Therefore, we’ve been told we will hold just outside Vatican City while the vice president meets with Parolin and Gallagher.

I will update you all when I’m given further guidance to share about the VP’s day in Rome.

—
Natalie Allison
White House Reporter
The Washington Post

From: Natalie Allison
Date:Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 3:58 AM
To: VP Comms
Subject: [EXTERNAL] VP pool report #2 4/19: Arrival at Vatican

We saw VP Vance inside his vehicle, and another member of the pool spotted one of his sons in the SUV as well. Lots of phones being held up from onlookers as the motorcade passed through the streets of Rome.

Pool lost sight of the motorcade as it continued into a Vatican City gate at 9:52 a.m. without us.

Pool is being held in a parking area facing Saint Peter’s Square.  

—
Natalie Allison
White House Reporter
The Washington Post

From: Natalie Allison
Date:Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 5:26 AM
To: VP Comms
Subject: [EXTERNAL] VP pool report #3 4/19: VP + family touring Sistene Chapel

At 11:22 am., a spokesperson for the vice president, shared that Vance’s meeting with the cardinal and archbishop has concluded, and Vatican officials have brought the second family to see the Sistine Chapel.

The pool is still holding. While pool was originally told we could not wait inside Vatican City, we were ultimately moved into a section of Saint Peter’s Square currently blocked off to the public.  For those interested in the scene here (a more scenic than average pool hold location), we’re waiting along the left colonnade, next to a lovely fountain that indicates it is affiliated with Pope Paul VI, as well as a sculpture depicting huddled migrants that was installed in Saint Peter’s Square in 2019. Tourists are coming and going from the basilica as additional equipment is being set up outside, presumably for tomorrow’s Easter mass.

—
Natalie Allison
White House Reporter
The Washington Post

From: Natalie Allison
Date:Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 6:23 AM
To: VP Comms
Subject: [EXTERNAL] VP pool report #5 4/19: Lunch lid

The vice president’s motorcade arrived at his lodging site at approximately 12:15 p.m. A lunch lid has been called until 3:45 p.m.

Your pooler has inquired about what the VP will be doing this afternoon, and I will report back if I find out more.

From: Natalie Allison
Date:Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 6:48 AM
To: VP Comms
Subject: [EXTERNAL] VP pool report #6 4/19: Vance family having lunch

A spokesperson for the vice president said the Vances are going to be having lunch, but did not share where that will take place.

—
Natalie Allison
White House Reporter
The Washington Post

From: Natalie Allison
Date:Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 6:04 AM
To: VP Comms
Subject: [EXTERNAL] VP pool report #4 4/19: Departing Vatican

Vice President Vance’s vehicle emerged from a secure gated area of Vatican City at 12:01 p.m., soon after the noon bells rang. Pool vans joined the motorcade.

Motorcade is heading back to VP’s lodging site here in Rome. Pool has not been advised on the VP’s schedule for the rest of the afternoon.

—
Natalie Allison
White House Reporter
The Washington Post

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 04/19/2025   Vice President JD Vance Meets with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin

VATICAN CITY – Today, during Holy Week, Vice President JD Vance met with Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. The Vice President and Cardinal Parolin discussed their shared religious faith, Catholicism in the United States, the plight of persecuted Christian communities around the world, and President Trump’s commitment to restoring world peace.    Vice President Vance and the Second Family attended a Good Friday service yesterday at St. Peter’s Basilica. He was baptized into the Catholic Church in August 2019.

From: Natalie Allison
Date:Saturday, April 19, 2025, 12:48 PM
To: VP Comms
Subject: VP pool report #7 4/19: Lid

Pool was given a lid for the night at 6:18 p.m. We have not been told what Vice President Vance is doing this evening, or about his whereabouts afternoon.
 
When pool returned from the lunch lid three hours ago, we were swept again by Secret Service. No outing with the vice president materialized, however.
 
A note: During the lunch lid, a spokesperson for Vance said a Sky News report claiming the vice president briefly met with the pope this morning was false. Passing that along for anyone who saw the story.
 
Here is the write-up of Vance’s Vatican meeting this morning from the Vatican’s news agency. 

—
Natalie Allison
White House Reporter
The Washington Post

From: Natalie Allison
Date:Sunday, April 20, 2025, 5:56 AM
To: VP Comms
Subject: [EXTERNAL] VP pool note

The Vatican is reporting that VP Vance and the pope had a brief meeting this morning. We still have not received word about it from the vice president’s team.
 
—
Natalie Allison
White House Reporter
The Washington Post

From: Natalie Allison
Date:Sunday, April 20, 2025, 9:35 AM
To: VP Comms
Subject: [EXTERNAL] VP pool report #5 4/20: Lunch lid

Pool has a lunch lid until an unknown time, but we are not anticipating being brought along for any outings the rest of the afternoon.
 
VP’s office still has not advised on what he will be doing the rest of the day.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 04/20/2025   Vice President JD Vance Meets with Pope Francis

VATICAN CITY – This morning, Vice President JD Vance met with His Holiness Pope Francis at the Vatican. The Vice President expressed his gratitude to Pope Francis for inviting him to meet on Easter Sunday and for the hospitality the Vatican has extended to his family.

From: Natalie Allison
Date:Sunday, April 20, 2025, 4:09 PM
To: VP Comms
Subject: [EXTERNAL] VP pool report #6 4/20: Leaving Italy

The vice president and his family have arrived at Rome Ciampino Airport. He boarded Air Force Two at 10:04 p.m.
 
The vice president carefully picked up Mirabel, who appeared to be sleeping, out of the car and slowly walked up the stairs of AF2. Ewan and Vivek were enjoying carrying toy swords, waving them around as they boarded with the second lady head of the VP and Mirabel.
 
AF2 is will be leaving shortly for New Delhi, the capital of India, due to arrive Monday around 9:30 a.m. IST. VP Vance is scheduled to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tomorrow.
 
A note: In addition to the VP’s family, your pooler was told that seminarians were also in attendance at this morning’s private Easter mass at Saint Paul Outside the Wall. Unclear who delivered the mass, however.
 
Pool has not been updated on how the vice president and his family spent the rest of the day and evening in Rome.
 
Arrivederci from the Eternal City.
 
—
Natalie Allison
White House Reporter
The Washington Post

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 04/20/2025 Vice President JD Vance Departs Italy

ROME, ITALY – Today, Vice President JD Vance and his family departed Italy, concluding their three-day visit during Holy Week.   On Friday, Vice President Vance held expanded bilateral meetings with Prime Minister of the Italian Republic Giorgia Meloni. On Saturday, Vice President Vance met with Church officials, including Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin. Today, Easter Sunday, Vice President Vance met His Holiness Pope Francis.  Vice President Vance, Second Lady Usha Vance and their children attended a Good Friday service at St. Peter’s Basilica. The Vice President and his family celebrated Easter Sunday with a private mass at The Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside The Walls.

From: Natalie Allison
Date:Monday, April 21, 2025, 12:09 AM
To: VP Comms
Subject: [EXTERNAL] VP pool report #1 4/21: Arrived in New Delhi

Good morning from New Delhi.

Air Force 2 touched down at Indira Gandhi International Airport at 9:32 a.m. (Noting here that Indian Standard Time is 9.5 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.)

Pool did not have any opportunities to speak to the vice president during the overnight flight.

It’s forecasted to be a hot day in New Delhi (104!) and elsewhere as the vice president goes from here to Jaipur and Agra this week, with highs well over 100 degrees F each day.

—
Natalie Allison
White House Reporter
The Washington Post

From: Natalie Allison
Date:Monday, April 21, 2025, 12:48 AM
To: VP Comms
Subject: [EXTERNAL] VP pool report #2 4/21: Dancing and music to greet VP

The vice president was greeted with an arrival ceremony here at the airport. An airport crew hurriedly rolled out a lengthy red carpet as traditional dancers began warming up to music. 

The vice president and second lady walked down the stairs of AF2 at 9:50 a.m., holding hands and without their children. VP Vance is in a blue suit and red tie. Mrs. Vance emerged in a long, sleeveless coral dress, and at some point soon after reaching the bottom of the steps had draped a white blazer over her shoulders. 

The vice president walked down the red carpet off to another area of the tarmac and stood under a tent structure that had been erected with plants surrounding it and listened as a military band played the Star Bangled Banner. He then continued to walk the lengthy red carpet, which has been fashioned into a triangle route, before being saluted again and walking back to AF2. The Second Lady watched from next to the plane, and then the children emerged from AF2 in traditional clothing: the boys in kurtas (long sleeve tunics) and Mirabel in a long dress with embellished sleeves.

The family approached the dancers, who were on a small platform, briefly watched and posed for some photos before walking by press — both pool and local reporters. The VP did not stop to talk, but said, “Hey guys, good morning,” as he walked by the pool. 

He picked up Mirabel and the family continued walking out of sight.

Pool is holding in a motorcade van. We’ve been advised that we’re heading next to a cultural site the family is visiting.

—
Natalie Allison
White House Reporter
The Washington Post

From: Natalie Allison
Date:Monday, April 21, 2025, 1:49 AM
To: VP Comms
Subject: [EXTERNAL] VP pool report #3 4/21: Akshardham Temple

The Indian government went all out to welcome the vice president, printing dozens of large signs bearing his face and “Welcome, the honorable James David Vance, Vice President of the United States” along the motorcade route from the airport to his next destination.

After a journey through the closed off streets of New Delhi, the motorcade at 10:55 a.m. arrived at Akshardham Temple, a sprawling cultural site dedicated to Hindu cultural heritage and spirituality. The complex opened here in 2005.

After a private greeting with temple officials that press was not permitted to see, the second family posed for photos before turning to walk up to the temple, thevicepresident standing in between his two sons and holding their hands. The second lady walked behind with Mirabel.

Pool got in a morning workout in the India heat, running with a few members of VP’s staff to get to a back entrance we were directed to reach quickly. 

We’re holding in press vans now while the second family receives a private tour of the temple.

A note related to the last report: The VP’s office said the people greeting him upon arrival at the airport included: 

• Ashwini Vaishnaw – Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & IT (India)
• Anshuman Gaur – Chief of Protocol (India)
• Bhuvan Mather – Indian Air Commodore (India)
• Jorgan Andrews – Chargé d’Affairs (United Statesl)

—

Natalie Allison

White House Reporter

The Washington Post

From: Natalie Allison
Date:Monday, April 21, 2025, 2:28 AM
To: VP Comms
Subject: [EXTERNAL] VP pool report #4 4/21: Departing temple

The vice president’s motorcade departed the temple at 11:50 a.m. Pool has not seen the second family since they were approaching the temple, before we were led away.
 
The pool and some of VP’s staff are being taken to a holding location for the afternoon, while the VP has private meetings that haven’t yet been disclosed to us. Pool does not know where he is headed now.
 
I will update you about those meetings when I learn more. Later tonight, the VP will attend a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi.
 
—
Natalie Allison
White House Reporter
The Washington Post