VATICAN CITY — On Saturday, U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with key Vatican officials during a visit that highlighted existing tensions over the U.S. government’s immigration policies. The Vatican emphasized maintaining strong relations but noted differing opinions on several international issues, including migration and global conflicts.
Vance, a recent Catholic convert, engaged in discussions with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Foreign Minister, within the historic Apostolic Palace. Reports did not indicate that he met personally with Pope Francis, who is currently reducing his official engagements while recuperating from a pneumonia diagnosis.
According to an announcement from Vance’s office, the conversation with Parolin revolved around their shared Catholic beliefs, the situation of Christian communities facing persecution worldwide, and President Trump’s commitment to fostering global peace.
The Vatican, known for its tradition of diplomatic neutrality, has approached the Trump administration with caution while striving to maintain constructive relations. The Holy See has previously voiced concerns over the U.S. administration’s stringent immigration policies and reductions in international aid, stressing the importance of peaceful solutions to conflicts in places like Ukraine and Gaza.
These matters were addressed in a Vatican-issued statement, describing the talks as cordial. The statement expressed appreciation for the U.S. government’s dedication to safeguarding religious freedom and conscience.
“There was an exchange of opinions on the international situation, especially regarding countries affected by war, political tensions, and difficult humanitarian situations, with particular attention to migrants, refugees, and prisoners,” the statement highlighted. Furthermore, it expressed hope for harmonious collaboration between the U.S. government and the Catholic Church, recognizing the church’s vital support for society’s most vulnerable members.
The notion of “serene collaboration” seemingly refers to Vance’s previous remarks about the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops allegedly resettling ‘illegal immigrants’ for federal funding, a claim that has met with substantial resistance from senior U.S. cardinals.
“It is clear that the approach of the current U.S. administration is very different from what we are used to and, especially in the West, from what we have relied on for many years,” Parolin remarked to La Repubblica daily prior to Vance’s visit.
While the U.S. moves towards ending the Ukraine conflict, Parolin reaffirmed Kyiv’s rights to territorial integrity, emphasizing that any peace agreements should develop through mutual dialogue and respect rather than be externally enforced on Ukraine.
Over Easter, Vance and his family spent time in Rome, attending Good Friday services at St. Peter’s Basilica after meeting with Italy’s Premier, Giorgia Meloni. Saturday included introducing his family to Parolin, a private viewing of the Sistine Chapel, and a visit to Rome’s botanical garden, where his son was joyfully seen donning a plastic gladiator costume.
Their Easter celebration plans were not immediately apparent. Meanwhile, Pope Francis expressed a desire to attend the Easter Mass, traditionally attracting large crowds to St. Peter’s Square, based on the liturgical plans released for the occasion.
Pope Francis and Vance have had significant disagreements regarding migration, especially about the Trump administration’s aggressive deportation agenda. Francis, known for championing the cause of migrants, often finds himself at odds with conservative elements within the U.S. Catholic Church.
Francis has also revised church teachings to oppose capital punishment in all instances. Prompted by an appeal from Francis, just weeks before Trump’s presidency began, President Joe Biden commuted the death sentences of the majority on federal death row—contrasting with Trump’s advocacy for expanding capital punishment.
Vance, who embraced Catholicism in 2019, aligns with a niche Catholic intellectual movement that some perceive as reactionary or authoritarian and is sometimes known as “postliberal.”
Although holding some traditional conservative views like opposing abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, postliberals envision a strategic takeover of institutions like government and universities, replacing entrenched elites to advocate their interpretation of the “common good.”
Shortly before being hospitalized in February, Francis critiqued the Trump administration’s deportation plans, warning they could strip migrants of their inherent dignity. In correspondence with U.S. bishops, Francis seemed to directly address Vance’s attempts to align Catholic doctrine with such policies.
Vance had defended the administration’s hardline approach using a medieval theological concept called “ordo amoris,” suggesting a hierarchy of care prioritizing family and community first, extending outward.
In response, Francis clarified the concept in a February letter, stating “Christian love is not a concentric expansion of interests that little by little extends to other persons and groups. The true ordo amoris is revealed in the parable of the ‘Good Samaritan,’ promoting an inclusive love open to all.”
Vance acknowledged the Pope’s criticism but maintained his stance. At the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington, he described himself as a “baby Catholic” receptive to learning about his faith’s complexities. Nevertheless, he has openly prayed for the Pope’s health on social platforms.