VATICAN CITY (AP) — U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's No. 2 official, on Saturday, April 19, 2025. This meeting comes amidst rising tensions regarding the U.S. government's approach to migrants. While the Holy See underscored its intention to maintain good relations with the U.S. administration, it also highlighted an "exchange of opinions" related to international conflicts, migrants, and prisoners. Vance's visit is significant as it represents ongoing dialogues about humanitarian issues that the Vatican is keen to address.
During his meeting with Cardinal Parolin and Archbishop Paul Gallagher at the Apostolic Palace, there was no indication that Vance met with Pope Francis, who had curtailed official engagements due to his recovery from pneumonia. The discussions centered on shared religious values, the conditions faced by persecuted Christian communities worldwide, and even President Trump's commitment to world peace. The Vatican has historically responded cautiously to the Trump administration while seeking to uphold its diplomatic neutrality.
Cardinal Parolin remarked on the differing approaches of the current U.S. administration compared to previous ones, particularly concerning domestic and international policies. The Vatican has voiced its concerns over the administration's strict immigration policies and cuts in international aid, advocating instead for peaceful resolutions to the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. The Vatican's statement regarding the meeting reflected a cordial atmosphere and expressed gratitude for the administration's commitment to protecting religious freedoms.
The Vatican noted that the talks included a discussion on current international issues, primarily focusing on war-torn countries and the humanitarian challenges faced by migrants, refugees, and prisoners. The statement also emphasized the hope for “serene collaboration” between the state and the Catholic Church in the United States. This refers to recent tensions concerning claims by Vance regarding the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops resettling “illegal immigrants” for federal funding, a position that has faced significant pushback from high-ranking U.S. cardinals.
As he engaged in meetings, Vice President Vance was spending the Easter weekend in Rome with his family. They attended Good Friday services at St. Peter's Basilica, following his meeting with Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni. The Vance family was also seen enjoying a private tour of the Sistine Chapel and visiting Rome's botanic garden, where one of his sons wore a popular gladiator costume.
The relationship between Pope Francis and Vice President Vance has been complicated, particularly regarding issues of migration. Pope Francis has positioned caring for migrants at the forefront of his papacy, often clashing with members of the conservative U.S. Catholic Church and the Trump administration. Additionally, the pontiff's stance on capital punishment diverges sharply from Vance's views and those of Donald Trump, who strongly supports expanding capital punishment. Francis’s recent public appeal led to a significant commutation of federal death sentences shortly before Trump assumed office.
Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, aligns with a Catholic intellectual movement sometimes labeled as “postliberal.” This group advocates for a conservative counterrevolution within political and institutional frameworks, promoting their interpretations of the "common good." Tensions have risen as Vance has used a concept from medieval Catholic theology, "ordo amoris," to justify prioritizing care for citizens over migrants. In response, Pope Francis explicitly corrected Vance's interpretation in a recent letter, advocating for a more inclusive understanding of Christian love and fraternity that encompasses all individuals, regardless of their status.
While Vance acknowledged the Pope's criticism, he conveyed a determination to continue defending his views on immigration. His recent appearances, including at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast, have indicated an awareness of the complexities of his faith as he refers to himself as a "baby Catholic." Despite past criticisms of Pope Francis, Vance has expressed prayers for the Pontiff’s recovery, indicating a possible softening of relations following their prior divergences over key moral issues.
