On Easter Sunday, U.S. Vice President JD Vance had a brief but significant meeting with Pope Francis in Vatican City, where they exchanged Easter greetings. This encounter comes after a series of disagreements between the vice president and the pope regarding the Trump administration's migrant deportation plans. Vance's motorcade accessed the Vatican through a side gate, parking near the pope's hotel residence while the Easter Mass was being celebrated in St. Peter’s Square.
Pope Francis, who has been recovering from a severe bout of pneumonia that nearly proved fatal, has significantly reduced his workload. As a result, he delegated the celebration of the Easter Mass to another cardinal. According to the Vatican's official statement, the meeting between Vance and Francis lasted just a few minutes at the Domus Santa Marta where they exchanged Easter greetings. While Vance's office confirmed the meeting, it did not provide further details about their conversation.
The backdrop to this meeting includes a contentious history between Vance and Pope Francis regarding immigration policies. The pope has consistently emphasized the importance of caring for migrants, a theme central to his papacy. Just days before his hospitalization in February, Francis publicly criticized the Trump administration's deportation strategies, stating that such policies would strip migrants of their inherent dignity. This criticism has put Vance in a challenging position, especially since he has previously argued that Catholic doctrine supports strict immigration enforcement.
Despite acknowledging Francis' criticisms, Vance has reiterated his commitment to his views on immigration. During a February 28 appearance at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., Vance referred to himself as a “baby Catholic” and admitted that there are aspects of the faith he is still learning about. Since converting to Catholicism in 2019, he has sought to navigate the complexities of faith and politics, particularly with regards to immigration.
Prior to his encounter with the pope, Vance met with key Vatican officials, including Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the foreign minister. During this meeting, they discussed their shared faith, the challenges faced by persecuted Christian communities worldwide, and President Trump’s dedication to restoring world peace. The Vatican's statement indicated that there was an “exchange of opinions” on the pressing issues of migrants, refugees, and ongoing global conflicts.
The Holy See has approached the Trump administration with caution, striving to maintain productive diplomatic relations while upholding its tradition of neutrality. It has expressed concern over the administration's aggressive stance on migrants and reductions in international aid, advocating instead for peaceful resolutions to conflicts in regions such as Ukraine and Gaza. This delicate balancing act reflects the Vatican's commitment to social justice and humanitarian principles amid a turbulent political landscape.
