JD Vance reveals what Pope Francis was really like in final meeting

has paid tribute to following the . The US Vice President before the pontiff made a surprise appearance to bless thousands of people in St. Peter's Square.

According to reports, the leader of the Catholic church had been reticent to grant an official meeting, but a "brief" audience was held on Sunday morning in Casa Santa Marta where the 88-year-old lives. The meeting is understood to have according to , allowing the two to exchange Easter greetings. Mr Vance said to the Pope: "I know you have not been feeling great, but it's good to see you in better health. Thanks for meeting with me."

The Vatican said there had been a an "exchange of opinions" including over migrants, refugees and conflicts.

A Vatican statement said: "Finally, hope was expressed for serene collaboration between the state and the Catholic church in the United States, whose valuable service to the most vulnerable people was acknowledged."

had previously been critical of the US administration, condemning their policy on migration and pledge of .

Mr Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, posted a tribute to the Pope on X after learning of his passing.

He said: "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 was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill.

"But I'll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of . It was really quite beautiful. May God rest his soul."

Due to his ill health, the Pope delegated the traditional mass held in St Peter's Square, but he did make a brief appearance to bless the thousands of people who had gathered.

Standing on loggia balcony above the entrance to St Peter's Basilica, the Pontiff waved to the adoring crowds who cheered in response, as he said from his wheelchair: "Brothers and sisters, Happy Easter!"

In his address to the crowds which was read by an aide, the Pope accused some countries of "stirring up contempt" towards migrants and the most vulnerable in society.

He said: "How much contempt is stirred up at times towards the vulnerable, the marginalised, and migrants," without mentioning the United States directly.