Pope Francis welcomed JD Vance into his house in Vatican City the day before he passed away, which was a terrible development. However, in the hours leading up to the historic meeting, the vice president, who was one of the last visitors to sit with the pontiff, was accused of breaking a cardinal rule, which caused people to get furious.
The world said goodbye to Pope Francis, one of the most revered spiritual leaders of our time, on April 21. This event marked the end of an era that was characterized by compassion, change, and strong moral declarations.
In spite of this, his dying days were not devoid of controversy, which is consistent with his legacy of unabashed truthfulness.
According to People, United States Vice President JD Vance, who was in Vatican City with his family for the weekend, was apparently ignored by the Pope on Saturday. This allowed him to meet with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the secretary of state for the Vatican, and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the foreign minister for the Vatican.
Vance, who became a Catholic in 2019, and 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,” according to the office of the Vice President. Vance converted to Catholicism in 2019.
On the other hand, the Vatican News, which is the media outlet of the Holy See, reports that the two individuals engaged in “an exchange of opinions on the international situation, particularly concerning countries that are affected by war, political tensions, and difficult humanitarian situations, with particular attention to migrants, refugees, and prisoners.”
Having a brief encounter with Pope Francis
The pontiff, who had earlier criticized the Trump administration’s plans to deport people, had a brief meeting with Vance that “lasted a few minutes and offered an opportunity to exchange Easter greetings,” according to Vatican News. This meeting took place before the pontiff greeted thousands of worshippers who were attending his final Easter Sunday service at St. Peter’s Square.
According to Newsweek, Vance was presented with a Vatican tie, three enormous chocolate Easter eggs, and rosaries. Each of his children received one of the individual Easter eggs.
The pope was reportedly informed by him, “I am aware that you have not been feeling very well, but it is encouraging to see that you are in better health.” I am grateful that you came to see me. Each and every day, I pray for you. May the Lord bless you.
Following that, the Vice President posted a tweet that included numerous photographs of him sitting with Pope Francis on April 20. The tweet read, “Today I met with the Holy Father Pope Francis.” I am thankful that he invited me to visit with him, and I pray that he continues to have excellent health. Merry Easter to you!
The Sistine Chapel is visited by Vance
That was not his meeting with the pope that drew the attention of the entire world; rather, it was the Vatican that was waiting with bated breath for his arrival.
A tour of Vatican City and its religious attractions, including the iconic Sistine Chapel, was among the activities that Vice President Vance and his family participated in on April 19, the day before Vance’s meeting with the Pope.
Afterwards, a photograph of the Vice President holding his son beneath the Sistine Chapel’s canopy of valuable artwork by Michelangelo went viral on the internet, which caused people to become incensed.
Inside the Sistine Chapel, Vice President J.D. Vance and his son are captured in a breathtaking photograph. “What an incredible way to spend Easter weekend,” writes Charlie Kirk, a conservative political activist, in a tweet that posted the snapshot of what appeared to be a family moment that was completely innocent.
“Absolutely without remorse”
An immediate outcry ensued, with members of the internet community pointing out the significant mistake that was made by Vance and Emily Higgins, the photographer who was credited with taking the photograph at the White House.
In the Sistine Chapel, you are not permitted to take photographs. There is no respect,” a user of the internet yells out.
It is strictly banned to take photographs within the Sistine Chapel, according to the second person. Every devout Catholic is aware of this fact. What is wrong is illustrated by this picture: rules are only to be observed by other people, but not by the government of the United States of America — this is totally awful!
The Sistine Chapel is beyond limits to photographers, according to the words of another internet user. When it comes to something as fundamental as this, they believe that the rules do not apply to them.
Just a few users stood up for the Vice President. One online supporter begins by saying, “Wrong,” and then goes on to offer a picture of Michelle Obama at the Sistine Chapel. Not only did the Vatican expressly give permission for the Vice President’s team to take photographs during their visit, but the Vatican also made a video of their excursions available to the public. They did the same thing for each of the other official state visits, including the one that Michelle Obama made in 2009.
In the Vatican Museum, it is stated that “it is permitted to take photographs, for personal and domestic use only, of the works in all areas of the Vatican Museums, with the exception of the Sistine Chapel.” Flash photography is not permitted under any circumstances.
It is banned to take photographs or videos with any kind of electronic equipment within the Sistine Chapel, according to the information that is included in the warning.
There is a lack of clarity on whether or not Vance and Higgins were granted permission to take photographs inside the old chapel at the time. It is also not possible to find a video of the Vice President’s tour.
I am delighted to see him
Around 7:35 in the morning on April 21, Pope Francis passed away.
Vance, who was in India at the time to pay a visit to the prime minister, sent in an email to express his condolences on the loss of Pope Francis saying, “I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis.” My thoughts and prayers are with the millions of Christians all around the world who adored him when he passed away.
Although it was clear that he was in a great deal of pain, I was relieved to see him yesterday. In spite of this, I will never forget the homily that he delivered in the very early days of COVID, which is included here. It was really stunning in its beauty. “May God grant him eternal rest.”
