VATICAN CITY, Italy – U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with Vatican’s second-ranking official, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, amid tensions over immigration policies and theological justifications. Vance, a recent Catholic convert, visited Rome with his family for Easter weekend, attending services at St. Peter’s Basilica and meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The meeting with Cardinal Parolin comes after a public clash between Pope Francis and Vance regarding the Trump administration’s approach to mass deportations. Francis, known for his progressive social justice views, has been a vocal advocate for migrant rights, highlighting the importance of caring for the vulnerable.
Vance, who aligns with a conservative Catholic movement called “postliberal,” has faced criticism for his support of the administration’s America-first policies. Despite criticism from Francis, Vance has maintained his stance, drawing on medieval Catholic theology to justify his beliefs.
In a letter to U.S. bishops, Francis addressed the concept of “ordo amoris,” challenging Vance’s interpretation and emphasizing the importance of building a fraternity open to all. While acknowledging the pontiff’s critique, Vance has pledged to continue defending his views, even as he navigates his newfound faith as a “baby Catholic.”
During his time in Rome, Vance and his family attended Good Friday services at the Vatican, where they were in the front row for the two-hour commemoration. While Francis was not present at the service, he has been gradually resuming official duties after his recovery from pneumonia.
The pope has recently met with various dignitaries, including King Charles III, and visited prisoners at a jail in Rome as part of his Holy Thursday tradition. As Easter weekend unfolds, other cardinals will preside over services, with the possibility of a brief meeting between Vance and Francis.
Reflecting on his time in Rome, Vance expressed gratitude for the experience and extended Easter blessings to Christians worldwide. The interaction between Vance and Vatican officials underscores the ongoing dialogue between political leaders and religious figures on thorny issues such as immigration and social justice.