VATICAN CITY – U.S. Vice President JD Vance visited Pope Francis on Sunday for a brief exchange of Easter greetings. The meeting followed a previous clash between the two over the Trump administration’s migrant deportation plans. Vance’s motorcade entered Vatican City through a side gate while Easter Mass was underway in St. Peter’s Square. Due to his recovery from a recent illness, Francis delegated the Mass celebration to another cardinal.
The Vatican reported that the meeting between Vance and Pope Francis took place at the Domus Santa Marta to exchange Easter greetings. Although Vance’s office confirmed the meeting, no further details were provided. The entirety of Vance’s motorcade was on Vatican territory for approximately 17 minutes.
The disagreement between Vance and the Pope stems from conflicting views on migration and the Trump administration’s deportation policies. In February, shortly before falling ill, Francis criticized the administration’s plans, emphasizing the importance of upholding the dignity of migrants. In response, Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, stated that he will continue to stand by his beliefs.
During his visit to the Vatican, Vance also met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Gallagher. Vance’s office disclosed that he and Parolin discussed topics such as their shared faith, Catholicism in the United States, persecuted Christian communities worldwide, and President Trump’s efforts to promote global peace. The Vatican confirmed that discussions included issues surrounding migrants, refugees, and ongoing conflicts around the world.
The Holy See has approached the Trump administration cautiously, advocating for peaceful resolutions to international conflicts while expressing concerns about the treatment of migrants and cuts in foreign aid. This diplomatic stance aligns with the Vatican’s tradition of neutrality in international affairs. The collaboration between the Associated Press and The Conversation US supports coverage of religious matters, funded by the Lilly Endowment Inc. The content provided by the AP remains independent and unbiased.