Rep. Stephanie Bice, Sen. Lankford reflect on personal encounters with Pope Francis following his passing

U.S. Rep. Stephanie Bice of Oklahoma shared a personal reflection on a meaningful encounter with Pope Francis following news of his death on Monday.

In a message posted on social media, Bice recounted meeting the pontiff during a visit to the Vatican in August 2023. She described the nervous anticipation she and her husband felt ahead of the meeting, and the peace that came from Pope Francis’ demeanor.

“He greeted us both and gave us a blessing,” Bice wrote. “But what stuck with me was what he said after the blessing. He leaned forward and whispered, ‘Will you pray for me?’”

Bice said she was struck by the humility of the request, noting the irony of the global faith leader turning to an individual parishioner for spiritual support.

“The leader of my faith was asking ME to pray for HIM,” she wrote. “It moved me… I guess everyone could use one more prayer.”

In her post, Bice offered a final tribute to the pontiff: “Today, I will say an extra prayer for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis.”

Pope Francis served as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. His papacy was marked by a focus on compassion, humility, and care for the marginalized.

Several other US leaders have offered their condolences and shared their experience with Pope Francis.

President Trump delivered a message to Catholics mourning the passing of Pope Francis during Easter celebrations at the White House.

"We love you all. We're with you all. They were with me during the election, as you know, very strongly. And, uh... It's just an honor to have the support of the Catholics. And I feel very badly for them because they love the Pope."

The president and Pope Francis have not always seen eye to eye, especially on the issue of immigration. But Monday, the president said he agreed with the Pope's message of tolerance for migrants.

"I do," the President said.

The president ordered the flags to be flown at half-mast in tribute to Pope Francis.

"He's a very good man. He loved the world. He especially loved people that were having a hard time," President Trump said.

Vice President JD Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, was one of the last leaders to visit the Pope at the Vatican on Easter Sunday.

"I know you've not been feeling great, but it's good to see you in better health," Vance said during their meeting.

During a visit to the United States in 2015, the Pope made a stop at the Capitol, something Sen. James Lankford recalled.

"I remember when he addressed Congress in 2015 and spoke about the need for empathy and the importance of working in the best interests of all people. May he rest in peace with the Lord."