Jimmy Carter, the first president to host a pope at the White House, dies at 100

WASHINGTON (OSV News) -- Former President Jimmy Carter died Dec. 29 at his home in Plains, Georgia, his presidential library announced. At 100, Carter, who had been in hospice care since February 2023, was the longest-living U.S. president.

Carter, who served from 1977-1981 as the 39th U.S. president, was a devout Baptist, and faith played a large role in his life. He even taught Sunday school in his retirement. Carter was also the first U.S. president to host a pope at the White House.

“My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love,” Chip Carter, the former president’s son, said in a statement issued through the Carter Center. “My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.”

The Carter Center's statement also said there will be public observances in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., in the late president's memory, followed by a private interment in Plains. More information would be released in coming days, the statement said.

Carter was predeceased by his wife, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, who died Nov. 19, 2023, at 96. The couple was married for more than 77 years. He is survived by three sons: John William (Jack), James Earl III (Chip), Donnel Jeffrey (Jeff); one daughter, Amy Lynn; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

On Feb. 18, 2023, the Carter Center announced that following "a series of short hospital stays," Carter had "decided to spend his remaining time at home with his family and receive hospice care instead of additional medical intervention."

"He has the full support of his family and his medical team," the statement continued. "The Carter family asks for privacy during this time and is grateful for the concern shown by his many admirers."

During his time in hospice care, Carter was able to partake in some activity, including attending funeral services for his late wife.

James Earl Carter Jr. was born on Oct. 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1946 and married Rosalynn the same year.

He later returned to Plains, worked in peanut farming, and entered state politics, becoming governor of Georgia before winning the Democratic nomination for president in 1976. He served a single term as president.

As president, Carter argued for a government that was "competent and compassionate," prompting civil service and environmental reforms.

He lost his bid for a second term amid rising consumer costs and foreign policy setbacks, including the Iranian hostage crisis in 1979. His foreign policy accomplishments included the Panama Canal treaties, and a treaty between Egypt and Israel known as the Camp David Accords, per his official White House Historical Association biography.

In 2002, Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. In a statement at that time, the Nobel committee said Carter was awarded the prize "for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development."

After his presidency, Carter taught Sunday school at Maranatha Baptist Church in his hometown.

In a joint statement Dec. 29, President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden said, "Today, America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian."

"Over six decades, we had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend," the Bidens said. "But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well. With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us. He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe."

The Bidens also said the "love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism. We will miss them both dearly, but take solace knowing they are reunited once again and will remain forever in our hearts."

"To the entire Carter family, we send our gratitude for sharing them with America and the world. To their staff -- from the earliest days to the final ones -- we have no doubt that you will continue to do the good works that carry on their legacy," they continued. "And to all of the young people in this nation and for anyone in search of what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning -- the good life -- study Jimmy Carter, a man of principle, faith, and humility. He showed that we are (a) great nation because we are a good people -- decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong."

Biden said he will order an official state funeral to be held in Washington, D.C., for Carter, "who gave his full life in service to God and country."

President-elect Donald Trump said in a statement, "Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History."

"The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude," Trump said. "Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers."

The Carters were also advocates of Habitat for Humanity, building affordable housing as on-site construction volunteers. Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, said in a statement, "We are deeply saddened by President Carter’s passing, and our prayers are with the Carter family.”

“President and Mrs. Carter began volunteering with Habitat for Humanity near their home in southwest Georgia more than 40 years ago, and soon brought worldwide attention to the need for decent and affordable housing," Reckford said. "We are grateful for the incredible impact the Carters have had on Habitat and on the families who have benefited from their shining example. The Carters put Habitat for Humanity on the map, and their legacy lives on in every family we serve around the world.”

Carter also had notable exchanges with Catholic leaders during his presidency. In a congratulatory telegram to Carter upon his election in November 1976, Pope Paul VI offered him “cordial felicitations,” adding he would pray Carter would lead the American people “in the way of authentic progress, true peace and fraternal concern, with liberty and justice for all.”

His inauguration featured faith leaders from multiple traditions, including a benediction given by then-Archbishop John Roach of Saint Paul-Minneapolis.

During his administration, Carter hosted Pope John Paul II at the White House on Oct. 6, 1979, while the latter was on his first papal trip to the United States, making the pontiff the first pope to ever visit the White House.

During remarks thanking the pope for his visit, Carter said, "As human beings each acting for justice in the present -- and striving together for a common future of peace and love -- let us not wait so long for ourselves and for you to meet again. Welcome to our country, our new friend.” The pope responded by embracing the president.

Carter later visited Pope John Paul II at the Vatican on June 24, 1980. During his visit to Italy, Carter also paid a visit to a Venetian monastery for prayers and breakfast.

"He wanted to know everything," Father Gilíes Zaramella, the abbot, later told a news service. "He asked about all the paintings, the buildings, and talked to each of us individually and asked what we do."