Trump, Who Clashed with the Pope, Says "Rest in Peace"

White House Also Shares Brief Message: "Rest in Peace"

Upon the news of the passing of Pope Francis, former US President Donald Trump, who had often been at odds with him during his lifetime, issued a brief message of condolence, saying, "Rest in peace."

On the 21st (local time), President Trump wrote on the social networking service Truth Social, "Rest in peace, Pope Francis! May God bless him and all those who loved him."

Donald Trump US President

Earlier, the White House posted a brief message on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "Rest in peace, Pope Francis." Photos of President Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance each meeting with the Pope were also shared.

President Trump frequently clashed with Pope Francis during the latter's lifetime.

President Trump promoted "America First" policies, including stricter immigration controls and cuts to foreign aid. These measures conflicted with Pope Francis, who emphasized universal love.

Pope Francis criticized President Trump's plans to deport immigrants, calling them "disgraceful" and "a grave crisis for America." In response, the White House countered by stating, "We hope the Pope remains faithful to the Catholic Church."

During his first term in office, in May 2017, President Trump visited the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican and met with Pope Francis. Vice President Vance, a Catholic, held a private meeting with the Pope at the Vatican on Easter, April 20.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin also expressed his condolences on the passing of Pope Francis on the same day.

In a message released by the Kremlin via Telegram, President Putin said, "The Pope was a devoted servant of the Christian faith, a wise religious leader and politician, and a steadfast defender of outstanding values of humanism and justice, earning great international respect. Russia expresses its deepest condolences on his passing."