Vice President JD Vance met with senior Vatican officials amid ongoing tensions over migration policies, fostering diplomatic engagement while highlighting America’s commitment to religious freedom.

At a Glance

• Vice President Vance, a Catholic convert, met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Gallagher at the Vatican for discussions lasting over an hour
• The talks focused on international conflicts, migrants, refugees, prisoners, and religious freedom, with the Vatican describing them as “cordial”
• Pope Francis, recovering from pneumonia, was unable to meet with Vance despite their prior disagreements on migration policy
• The Vice President attended Good Friday services at St. Peter’s Basilica and was granted a private visit to the Sistine Chapel

Diplomatic Meeting Amid Policy Differences

Vice President JD Vance held substantive discussions with top Vatican officials on Good Friday, navigating the complex relationship between the Trump administration and the Catholic Church. The meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s foreign minister, took place as differences persist over the administration’s approach to migrants and immigration policy. Despite these tensions, the Vatican described the exchange as “cordial” in its official statement.

The Holy See press office noted that the discussions acknowledged “the good existing bilateral relations between the Holy See and the United States of America, and the common commitment to protect the right to freedom of religion and conscience.” This emphasis on religious liberty represents common ground between the Vatican and the Trump administration, which has made religious freedom a priority in its foreign policy approach.

Vice President J.D. Vance meets with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Parolin during Holy Week visit to Rome. The pair discussed religious freedom, peace initiatives, and humanitarian concerns during their "cordial talks." #Vatican #US #Diplomacy https://t.co/9AN5YdrfBo

— Catholic News Agency (@cnalive) April 19, 2025

Focus on Humanitarian Issues

During the hour-long meeting, Vance and Vatican officials exchanged views on various international situations, particularly countries affected by war and political tensions. According to the Vatican’s statement, special attention was given to the conditions of “migrants, refugees, and prisoners” – topics where the administration and the Holy See have experienced friction. The Vatican has consistently advocated for more welcoming immigration policies, while the Trump administration has implemented stricter border controls.

“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.”, Vatican, in an official statement.

Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, has previously described himself as a “baby Catholic” still learning the faith. He has drawn criticism for his interpretation of Catholic social teaching, particularly his use of the concept of “ordo amoris” (order of love) to justify prioritizing care for Americans over immigrants. Pope Francis appeared to address this interpretation in a recent letter to U.S. bishops, emphasizing that “Christian love is not a concentric expansion of interests that little by little extends to other persons and groups.”

Prominent Absence and Ceremonial Participation

Pope Francis, who has been recovering from a recent bout of pneumonia, was unable to meet with the Vice President. The pontiff and Vance have previously clashed over migration policies, with Francis criticizing border enforcement measures. Despite this absence, Vance demonstrated respect for the Vatican by attending Good Friday services at St. Peter’s Basilica with his wife, Usha. The vice-presidential couple participated in one of the most solemn observances of the Catholic calendar.

According to the Vatican statement: “Finally, hope was expressed for serene collaboration between the State and the Catholic Church in the United States, whose valuable service to the most vulnerable people was acknowledged.”

Following the formal meetings, Vance was granted a private visit to the Sistine Chapel, highlighting the diplomatic significance of his visit. The Vice President’s Easter weekend in Rome also included a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who expressed pride in hosting the second family during the holy season. This diplomatic outreach comes as the administration continues to formulate its approach to international relations and religious engagement.