Top 5 topics everyone’s talking about after Pope Francis’ death
The passing of Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88, has sent shockwaves around the world.
As Catholics and global leaders mourn the loss of a transformative pontiff, the news cycle is rife with stories ranging from high-profile meetings to viral internet theories.
Here are the top five topics dominating conversation in the wake of the pope’s death:
1. U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s last-minute meeting with the Pope
One of the final people to meet Pope Francis was U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who visited the pontiff at the Vatican just 24 hours before his death. Vance, who has previously clashed with the pope on immigration and social policy, called the moment “a great blessing,” expressing surprise and gratitude for the encounter.
"I was lucky that I got to shake his hand and tell him that I pray for him every day, because ... I did, and I do," Vance told reporters.
2. Pope Francis’ easter sunday appearance
Just one day before his death, Pope Francis made a remarkable return to the public eye, emerging from convalescence to greet thousands of faithful in St. Peter’s Square. Riding through the crowd in his popemobile and offering blessings, he appeared in good spirits despite his recent battle with double pneumonia. “Viva il Papa!” (Long live the pope), “Bravo!” the crowd shouted.
The surprise appearance has since been widely seen as a final moment of grace and connection with the people.
3. Meeting with King Charles and Queen Camilla
Days before his death, King Charles and Queen Camilla visited the pope at the Casa Santa Marta, where he had been recovering. The private meeting marked their 20th wedding anniversary and was filled with mutual well-wishes and quiet reflection. In a statement released by Buckingham Palace, the King and Queen noted they were "delighted the Pope was well enough to host them - and to have had the opportunity to share their best wishes in person". The Holy See Press Office also stated in a statement, “Pope Francis met privately with Their Majesties, King Charles and Queen Camilla, this afternoon. In the course of the meeting, the Pope expressed his best wishes to Their Majesties on the occasion of their wedding anniversary and reciprocated His Majesty’s wishes for a speedy recovery of his health.”
4. Official announcement and funeral plans
The Vatican officially confirmed Pope Francis’ death at 7:35 a.m. on April 21, calling it a moment of “deep sorrow” and gratitude for a life spent in service of the marginalised. Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni announced that the pope’s body will be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, April 23, where the public may pay their respects. The pope's body was later laid in state for a public viewing.
The funeral arrangements, now underway, are expected to draw millions of mourners and dignitaries from around the world.
5. Internet jokes and conspiracy theories about JD Vance
In a bizarre twist, the internet has latched onto the timing of JD Vance’s meeting with the pope, spawning memes and jokes suggesting the vice president may have hastened the pontiff’s passing. While untrue, the commentary reflects deep ideological divisions, Pope Francis was seen by many as a progressive voice in the Church, often at odds with the MAGA-aligned wing of U.S. politics.
Vance, who once attempted to reinterpret Catholic doctrine to align with Trump’s hardline immigration stance, is now the subject of satirical headlines such as, “Did JD Vance Kill the Pope? An Investigation.”
