Pope Tells U.S. Vice President Mike Pence at Vatican, ‘This Role Is Not Easy’

Tags: Currents Crux, Inspiration, Mike Pence, Pope Francis, World News

By Melissa Butz

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence met with Pope Francis at the Vatican.

Pence’s ear-to-ear smile revealed his excitement to be there. “Your Holiness. Nice to meet you. What a great honor. What a great honor. Thank you,” he said.

The two then sat down for a private conversation, lasting one hour. “I don’t speak good English. I need a translator,” the Pope told Pence.

Mike Pence began by remembering President Trump’s time at the Vatican in May 2017. Then, the two likely discussed the situation between the U.S. and Iran.

Vice President Pence introduced his wife and daughter-in-law. “Your Holiness, it’s an honor to meet you. Thank you for your hospitality,” Karen Pence told the Pope.

The U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, Callista Gingrich and her husband, Newt Gingrich were the next to greet the Holy Father, ahead of Pence’s delegation.

Then it was time for the gifts. Mike Pence gave the Pope a cross made from a tree in the garden at the Vice President’s residence. “Every Vice President, since Walter Mondale has lived in the home,” Pence explained to the Holy Father.

The Pope gave Pence a medallion and went on to explain that the angel on it had already conquered the demon of war – his translator saying “This is a large medallion made here in the Vatican. This is the angel of peace.”

Then, as to reaffirm the message, he gave the Vice President the message of peace that he signed the same morning. The Pope also joked about giving him each of his pontifical texts and his document on human fraternity.

Upon leaving the two shared an intimate moment, with Pope Francis telling Pence “You will pray for me, don’t forget.”

“I won’t forget and I already do,” Pence replied.

“This role is not easy,” the Holy Father reassured Pence.

Mike Pence told Pope Francis that by meeting him, he has become a hero, a comment likely referring to his devout Catholic mother.