The Last Supper: Pope Francis Met J.D. Vance Hours Before His Death

Pope Francis died at 88 on Easter Monday, just one day after meeting with J.D. Vance at the Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican. The photographs of their 17-minute encounter tell a story more eloquent than words. Vance, a Catholic convert since 2019, stood before the frail pontiff who had earlier refused him a private audience, instead directing his Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Gallagher to meet with the VP. Yet in the end, Francis relented to this brief meeting, gifting Vance's children chocolate Easter eggs, rosaries, and a Vatican-themed tie.

The conspiracy theories spreading online about Vance's role in the Pope's death are nonsense, of course. But the symbolism resonates through time. The Pope who washed prisoners' feet encountering the representative of an administration that glorifies walls and deportations. The man who lived in modest quarters throughout his papacy – rejecting the palatial papal apartments for a simple room – facing a vice president defending luxury and wealth as virtues rather than temptations.

I see something profound in this Easter encounter. Francis, who had explicitly criticized the Trump administration's theological justification for harsh immigration policies in a February letter to American bishops, spent some of his final moments facing the embodiment of the policies he considered a "disgrace" to Christian teaching.

Thirty Pieces of Silver

The timing amplifies the symbolism. On the holy weekend commemorating Christ's sacrifice, Trump's inaugural committee disclosed raising $239 million, doubling his 2017 record - which itself prompted an FBI investigation – all for an inauguration that was largely restricted, moved indoors, and dramatically scaled back from traditional ceremonies. And included two Nazi salutes from Trump’s biggest backer Elon Musk.

Meta, Apple, Amazon, Google, Microsoft: $1 million each.
Ripple Labs: $4.9 million. (Crypto)
Robinhood: $2 million (Crypto).
Pilgrim's Pride: $5 million.

Warren Stephens secured the UK ambassador nomination for $4 million. Linda McMahon gained the Education Secretary position for $1 million. The money changers haven't just returned to the temple – they've purchased it outright.

Francis rejected luxury even in death, requesting a plain crypt marked only "Franciscus." Meanwhile, America's leaders pocket cash and favors with an eagerness that would make even the merchants Jesus expelled from the temple blush with shame.

The Garden of Betrayal

As Christians reflected on Christ's agony in Gethsemane, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was on the White House lawn excoriating the media as hoaxsters, his own staff as leakers— while absolving himself of any wrongdoing.

Hegseth has, of course, shared classified military operations with his wife, brother, and attorney through Signal— which now appears to be the MAGA app of choice to carelessly leave secrets where our enemies can access them. 

Hegseth’s former press secretary describes a "full-blown meltdown at the Pentagon.” Officially, the Trump White House is standing by their beleaguered Defense Secretary, but unofficially, they are searching for a replacement—the cacophony of incompetence is even too great for them to bear. 

Also present at the annual Easter Egg Roll: Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who may have hoped the setting would provide her with a spiritual cleansing— in a public relations sense —made less of a spectacle than Hegseth’s slurring assault on the media while his children watched in agony, but questions around her weekend swirl.

Noem’s DHS access badge, passport, and $3,000 cash were stolen at gunpoint at a DC restaurant on Easter weekend, she claims. The Secret Service detail meant to protect her? Dismissed for the evening. Her office claims she needed cash for Easter gifts. The security credentials granting access to America's most sensitive facilities carelessly squandered for a night of “privacy”.

I wonder what Francis – who carried his own luggage and rode in modest cars throughout his papacy – would make of cabinet secretaries carrying thousands in cash while dismissing security meant to protect national interests. The contrast between his life of service and their lives of entitlement could not be more striking.

The Procession to Golgotha

Twelve days into Trump's tariff "pause," the dollar staggers under the weight of its own cross. Markets shed another 1,200 points yesterday. Gold surged 15% since April 7th. Bitcoin jumped 12%. Forty-four nations now explore joining BRICS, with 23 formal applications submitted.

Japan's Prime Minister spoke plainly: "If Japan concedes everything, we won't be able to secure our national interests." The entire world watches America's passion play – our currency weakening, our allies abandoning us, our standing diminishing by the hour.

For 250 years, we built what Rome once built – a system of laws, alliances, and norms that created unprecedented global prosperity. The Marshall Plan. NATO. The post-war order that lifted billions from poverty. Now Trump's "World Liberty Financial" crypto venture positions itself to profit from the dollar's collapse. The nails driven into our economic leadership are forged of avarice, not necessity.

Like Rome in its declining years, we maintain the appearance of power while our foundations crumble. Our Praetorian Guard – the Pentagon – is in disarray. Our Senate confirms corrupt nominees who paid for their positions. Our leaders vacation in lavish villas while the foundations of our republic weaken.

Beyond the parade of betrayal, there is still hope. The path back from this Golgotha remains open, if we have the courage to walk it.