Vance Flags Pope Francis’s Frailty a Day Before His Passing
Heads up: J.D. Vance just dropped a pretty weighty observation about Pope Francis’s health when he met him the day before his passing. The Ohio senator, fresh off a private Vatican meeting on February 15, 2024, told reporters that the pontiff “was obviously very ill” during their hour‑long conversation (source: Reuters). Vance—who has made no secret of his conservative leanings—said Francis’s normally robust humor was muted, his voice frail. The next morning, the world learned the 86‑year‑old Holy Father had died overnight, prompting questions about his final public appearances.
Vance’s remarks came during a press briefing at the U.S. Embassy in Rome, where he was asked about the tone of his discussion with Francis. “He looked weak, frankly,” Vance said, per CNN. “He spoke a little slower, and you could tell he was not feeling up to his usual self.” Those comments unexpectedly became a focal point as Vatican officials began piecing together the pope’s last hours. The Vatican had already disclosed on February 14 that Francis was apyrexial but under observation for a recurring respiratory issue, according to Vatican News.
It wasn’t Vance’s first Vatican visit—he met Francis in 2023 to discuss religious freedom and Ukraine—but this February meeting carried a different gravity. Fellow attendees, including Cardinal Pietro Parolin, confirmed to Associated Press that the pope’s energy levels seemed lower than during previous audiences. Still, Vatican spokespeople played down concerns, emphasizing that Francis had “manageable symptoms” and was following medical advice (source: Associated Press).
In D.C., reactions have been swift. Senate colleagues tweeted condolences alongside snippets of Vance’s account, with one member joking that they’d never seen the Ohio native at a loss for words—until he saw the pontiff. Meanwhile, experts on papal health suggest that advanced age plus an ongoing lung condition may have hastened his decline. Dr. Elena Martin, a Vatican‑accredited physician, told The Guardian that elderly leaders often push themselves despite warning signs, making last‑minute assessments tricky.
Of course, conspiracy theories are already swirling online—but let’s not feed them. Official autopsy results are expected in mid‑March, and the Vatican has promised a transparent report. Until then, the world is left reflecting on what Vance saw: a global spiritual icon showing his human vulnerability, just hours before slipping away.
In the end, it’s a stark reminder that even the most revered figures have fragility. If this buzz gains traction, don’t say you weren’t warned. Anyway, that’s the scoop. Do with it what you will.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and Reuters, CNN, Associated Press, Vatican News
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
