United States Vice President JD Vance
United States Vice President JD Vance met with top Vatican officials on Saturday to discuss critical global issues, including immigration, international conflicts, and human rights.
The discussions, which included meetings with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Holy See’s foreign minister, highlighted both areas of diplomatic cooperation and ideological differences. The meeting took place against a backdrop of heightened political and religious tension surrounding US immigration policies and their alignment with Christian values.
According to a statement released by Vice President Vance’s office, the discussions encompassed shared Catholic faith, the role of Catholicism in the United States, the challenges faced by persecuted Christian communities worldwide, and President Donald Trump’s efforts toward global peace. The Vatican has described the conversations as constructive and amicable, focusing on the exchange of views on global migration, refugee movements, and the treatment of prisoners.
The Holy See also reaffirms its commitment to religious liberty and advocates for harmonious relations between governmental bodies and religious organisations. The meeting followed months of notable disagreement between Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, and Pope Francis, particularly concerning differing interpretations of theological principles.
In February, Pope Francis publicly challenged Vance’s use of the doctrine of ordo amoris—the "order of love"—to defend mass deportation policies. Vance had argued that prioritising the needs of immediate family, community, and fellow citizens was consistent with this theological concept. Pope Francis countered that authentic Christian love extends to universal fraternity without exception, promoting inclusivity rather than exclusion.
During his visit to Rome for Easter festivities, Vice President Vance also had a brief audience with Pope Francis after Good Friday services at St. Peter’s Basilica. The vice president and the Pope exchanged Easter greetings as a gesture of reconciliation amid their policy differences. While in Italy, Vance also met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, where they further discussed international affairs with an emphasis on migration and religious values.
Specific details of these discussions were not disclosed, but both Vatican representatives and the US Vice President indicated a commitment to advancing mutual understanding despite ongoing ideological divergences. The Vatican has consistently advocated for compassionate approaches to migration and refugee crises, while Vance's policies have drawn criticism for perceived inconsistencies with Christian doctrines. Nonetheless, the Vatican's emphasis on dialogue reflects its continued commitment to fostering productive engagement with global leaders.