JD Vance's Vatican visit with Pope Francis just before the pontiff's death has sparked online controversy. Memes and conspiracy theories have emerged, questioning Vance's role. While Vance expressed condolences,

While on a trip to Italy last week with his family, the vice president was one of the last officials to meet with Pope Francis. Vance, who is Catholic, had formal talks with the Vatican’s secretary of state and then had an informal meeting with Francis on Easter Sunday.