Vice President JD Vance has opened up about one of the most emotional moments of his life, revealing that he felt “awful” after realizing he had met Pope Francis just hours before the pontiff’s death.

The story appears in Vance’s new book, Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith, which chronicles his spiritual journey and conversion to Catholicism. According to Vance, he was among the last public figures to meet Pope Francis during a state visit to Rome.

Vance recalled being approached by a priest who delivered an unexpected message: “The Pope would really like to meet with you while you’re here. But he will decide in the morning whether he is up to it.”

At the time, there was uncertainty about whether the meeting would happen due to the Pope’s condition. Vance wrote that both Vatican officials and American diplomats were concerned about the potential diplomatic implications if the meeting ultimately fell through.

“The Vatican and US diplomats were clearly worried about whether it would be seen as a snub if the meeting fell through,” Vance explained in the book.

The encounter ultimately took place, becoming one of the final public meetings of Pope Francis’s life. Looking back, Vance said the experience left a profound impact on him, particularly after learning how little time remained before the Pope’s passing.

The revelation offers a deeply personal glimpse into the vice president’s faith journey, a topic that has become increasingly central to his public life. While political figures are often viewed through the lens of policy battles and campaign headlines, moments like these serve as reminders that faith, reflection, and human connection remain powerful forces even at the highest levels of government.

As Vance continues sharing his story through Communion, the account of his final meeting with Pope Francis stands as a poignant chapter—one marked not by politics, but by gratitude, humility, and the lasting impact of an unexpected farewell.