JD Vance has 'exchange of opinions' with Vatican FM
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US Vice President JD Vance visits the Vatican for talks with top officials to discuss immigration, international conflicts, and church-state relations.
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U.S. Vice President JD Vance attends with his wife, Usha, left, a Good Friday service inside St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, on April 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
US Vice President JD Vance held a series of meetings at the Vatican over Easter weekend, engaging in what the Holy See described as "an exchange of opinions" on international conflicts, immigration, and humanitarian concerns.
Vance met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Holy See’s foreign minister. However, there was no indication that he met with Pope Francis during the visit.
Vatican talks focus on international conflicts and immigration
The Holy See reported that discussions were cordial and centered on ongoing wars, particularly in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as broader humanitarian challenges such as migration and the treatment of prisoners and refugees. The statement noted the Vatican’s appreciation for the US administration’s support of religious freedom and conscience rights.
“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 Vatican said.
“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.”
Holy See responds to US immigration and foreign policy
While maintaining its diplomatic neutrality, the Vatican has voiced concern over some aspects of the Trump administration’s policies, especially on immigration and foreign aid. Vance’s visit came amid continuing scrutiny over the administration’s restrictive immigration stance, a position that has drawn criticism from Pope Francis in the past.
The Vatican's reference to "serene collaboration" appeared to allude to Vance’s past claims that the US Conference of Catholic Bishops was involved in resettling undocumented immigrants for federal funding. Top US cardinals have strongly pushed back against the accusation.
Speaking to La Repubblica before the visit, Cardinal Parolin acknowledged the change in tone from Washington. “It is clear that the approach of the current US administration is very different from what we are used to and, especially in the West, from what we have relied on for many years,” he said.
The Vatican emphasized its hope for respectful engagement between the Catholic Church and the US government, noting the Church’s long-standing role in serving vulnerable populations across the country.
Although Vance did not meet Pope Francis, the ideological distance between them remains visible. The pope has frequently spoken out in defense of migrants, making their care a cornerstone of his papacy. His views on immigration, capital punishment, and social justice have often put him at odds with more conservative elements of the US Catholic Church, including figures like Vance.
Francis has also altered church teaching to oppose the death penalty in all circumstances. While President Joe Biden responded to papal appeals by commuting the sentences of dozens on federal death row, Trump has been a vocal proponent of expanding its use.
