Pope Francis met with US Vice President J.D. Vance before his death

Pope Francis died at the age of 88. Shortly before his passing, he met with US Vice President J.D. Vance, whose views he had previously criticized. Initially, the Pope was being treated for bronchitis, but doctors later confirmed he had developed bilateral pneumonia. On March 23, he made his first public appearance in over a month, greeting people from a wheelchair on the balcony of the Gemelli Clinic. With the Pope's passing, the period of Sede Vacante or 'vacant seat' has begun.