President Donald Trump issued a brief statement about Pope Francis’ death, released by the Vatican early Monday morning.
The president ordered the US flag to be flew by half staff. I praised the Pope.
“By charitable and clarity, we are all called to build a bridge that brings us closer to us, in order to live in solidarity and fraternity.”
“Pope Francis rests in peace! May God bless him and all those who loved him!” he wrote Trump on social media.
Francis was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina to Jorge Mario Bergolio and was appointed to lead the Catholic Church in 2013.
The Pope and Trump had a controversial feud about illegal immigration, particularly as the president cracked down on groups that provided assistance to immigrants, particularly religious groups. Francis in February recognized the right to establish and protect borders, but called on Christians to provide assistance to immigrants.
“I recommend every faithful person in the Catholic Church, and every man and woman of good intentions. I will not succumb to a story that discriminates against our immigrants and refugee brothers and sisters, causing unnecessary suffering,” the Pope wrote at the time.
“By charitable and clarity, we are all called to live a life of solidarity and fraternity and build bridges that bring us closer,” he added.
Despite the feud, the president Instructions US office to respect the death of the Pope.
By the authorities given me as President of the United States by the Constitution and Law of the United States, as a mark to honor his sacred Francis memory, I unite here with the US flags on half staff and all public buildings and grounds, all military posts and all naval stations in the federal districts, all military offices and united ships and local organizations. Owned until sunset on the day of burial.
Catholic Vice President J.D. Vance visited the Pope just before his death, leading to social media memes, suggesting that Vance is somehow responsible for the death of the Pope.
Vance and the Pope have published an interpretation of obscure Catholic teachings about helping neighbors related to the issue of illegal immigration. Despite the differences, Vance was calling on Catholics to pray for the Pope’s health when news of his deterioration surfaced.
“Every day I hear of Pope Francis’ illness, so I say prayers for the Holy Father,” Vance said in February. “Yes, I was surprised when he criticized our immigration policy the way he has… I believe that the Pope is someone who cares about Christian flocks under his leadership, and he is someone who cares about the spiritual direction of faith.”
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