In a brief but significant meeting, Pope Francis and JD Vance, who have publicly disagreed on the Trump administration’s immigration policies, met in Rome on Sunday to exchange Easter greetings. This encounter occurred just one day after the US Vice President, who embraced Roman Catholicism in 2019, had a discussion with senior Vatican officials regarding international conflicts and immigration issues.
The 88-year-old pontiff, currently recovering from a serious bout of pneumonia, welcomed Vance in one of the reception rooms at the Vatican hotel, known as Domus Santa Marta. During this cordial meeting, Pope Francis presented Vance with three large chocolate Easter eggs for his three young children, a Vatican tie, and rosaries, symbolizing his warm wishes for the family. Vance expressed his gratitude, stating, “I know you have not been feeling great, but it’s good to see you in better health. Thank you for seeing me.”
The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis and JD Vance met for a few minutes to exchange Easter greetings. Vance's office acknowledged the meeting but refrained from providing additional details. Notably, Vance's motorcade was on Vatican territory for a mere 17 minutes. Following the meeting, Vance joined his family for Easter Mass at St. Paul Outside the Walls, one of the four pontifical basilicas in Rome, where they visited the tomb of the apostle St. Paul.
JD Vance and Pope Francis have starkly different views when it comes to the issue of migration. In February, the pontiff, who has made caring for migrants a cornerstone of his papacy, warned that the Trump administration’s mass deportation efforts and stringent immigration policies were creating a “major crisis” that undermines human dignity. In a letter addressed to US bishops, Francis seemingly responded to Vance’s assertions that Catholic doctrine justified such policies.
Despite acknowledging the pontiff's criticism, Vance remains steadfast in defending his views on immigration. During a recent appearance at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington, he referred to himself as a “baby Catholic” and admitted there are aspects of the faith he still does not fully understand.
On the day before his meeting with Pope Francis, Vance held discussions with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State, and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, its foreign minister. Vance’s office reported that the conversation revolved around their shared religious faith, the state of Catholicism in the United States, the challenges faced by persecuted Christian communities globally, and President Trump’s commitment to restoring world peace. The Vatican also highlighted an “exchange of opinions” on pressing matters such as migrants, refugees, and ongoing conflicts.
The Vatican's statement emphasized the hope for “serene collaboration” between the state and the Catholic Church in the United States, acknowledging the church's valuable service to the most vulnerable populations. This reference to collaboration comes in light of Vance's controversial claim that the US Conference of Catholic Bishops was resettling “illegal immigrants” to secure federal funding, a statement that has faced strong opposition from leading US cardinals.
In his traditional Urbi et Orbi message, delivered on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis called upon world leaders to assist those in need and to strive for peace. This message underscores the pontiff's ongoing commitment to humanitarian issues and reflects the values he promotes within the Catholic Church.
