US Vice President JD Vance engaged in discussions with senior Vatican officials amidst ongoing differences regarding the White House’s approach to migration issues. The Vatican, while reaffirming its good relations with the United States, acknowledged a divergence of opinions concerning migration and current global conflicts.
During the meeting, Vance, who converted to Catholicism, held talks with the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and Foreign Minister, Archbishop Paul Gallagher. The Vatican’s statement highlighted that the discussions included the international situation, particularly focusing on regions affected by war, political tensions, and humanitarian crises, with special attention to migrants, refugees, and prisoners. It was not disclosed whether Vance met with Pope Francis, who is gradually resuming his duties after recovering from pneumonia.
The Vatican, known for its stance of diplomatic neutrality, has voiced concerns over the US administration’s stringent measures on migrants and reductions in international aid, while advocating for peaceful resolutions to conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Despite these concerns, the Vatican described the discussions with Vance as cordial and expressed satisfaction with the administration’s dedication to protecting religious freedom and conscience. The statement also conveyed hope for a harmonious collaboration between the State and the Catholic Church in the United States, acknowledging the Church’s significant service to vulnerable communities.
JD Vance is spending the Easter weekend in Rome with his family, attending Good Friday services at St. Peter’s Basilica after meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Earlier, tensions arose between Vance and Pope Francis over migration policies and the Trump administration’s plans for mass deportations. Pope Francis, who prioritizes the care of migrants, often finds himself at odds with more conservative factions within the US Catholic Church. Vance, who joined the Catholic Church in 2019, aligns with a small Catholic intellectual movement known as “Post Liberal,” which holds some traditional conservative Catholic views, including opposition to abortion and LGBTQ+ rights.
This movement is perceived by some as aiming to influence government and educational institutions by replacing established elites with their own members, advancing their vision of the “common good.” In February, prior to his hospitalization, Pope Francis addressed US bishops in a letter seemingly responding to Vance’s claims that Catholic doctrine supported such policies. Vance, acknowledging the Pope’s criticism, affirmed his commitment to his views and recently offered prayers for the Pope’s recovery via social media.
