US leaders react to the death of Pope Francis

Tributes from US Leaders are coming in Monday morning after the death of Pope Francis. The 88-year-old Pontiff died early Monday, after making his last public appearance at St. Peter's Square on Easter Sunday.

Pope Francis dies at age 88

Pope Francis was elected head of the Catholic Church in 2013. He had just gotten out of the hospital suffering from double pneumonia and respiratory ailments. 

The White House posted “Rest in Peace, Pope Francis” on X, alongside images of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump meeting with Francis in 2017 .

Vice President JD Vance, who is Catholic, met briefly with the Pope on Easter Sunday at the Vatican.

The Vice President posted on X condolences and shared this link to a March 2020 homily given by the Pope, after covid. Vance said “I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill,” Vance noted. “My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him.”

>>> Vice President JD Vance reacts to Pope Francis' death one day after meeting him

Former President Barack Obama posted a tribute with a photo of him and the pope meeting at the White House.

President Donald Trump orders US flags at half-staff:

President Trump said he signed an executive order to have flags fly at half-staff in honor of Pope Francis, who died at age 88 on Monday. Mr. Trump delivered remarks at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll.

Former President Joe Biden posted a tribute to social media with a photo of him and Pope Francis.