US Vice President JD Vance had a brief meeting with Pope Francis on Sunday to exchange Easter greetings after the pontiff criticized the Trump administration’s migrant deportation plans.
JD Vance, the Vice President of the United States, made a significant visit to the Vatican to meet with Pope Francis shortly before the Pope’s passing. This visit was marked by deep reflections on faith, leadership, and the pressing issues facing the world.
During the meeting, Vance engaged in heartfelt discussions with Pope Francis, addressing topics ranging from climate change and social justice to the challenges of polarization in contemporary society. The Pope, known for his emphasis on compassion and outreach, shared his thoughts on the importance of servant leadership and the need for unity in a fractured world.
Francis, who is currently recovering from a serious bout of pneumonia, welcomed Vance in one of the reception rooms of the Vatican hotel where he resides.
The 88-year-old pope presented Vance with three large chocolate Easter eggs for his three young children, who were not present, along with a Vatican tie and rosaries. “I know you have not been feeling great but it’s good to see you in better health,” Vance told Francis. “Thank you for seeing me.”
Following their short visit, Vance joined his family for Easter Mass at St. Paul Outside the Walls, one of Rome’s four pontifical basilicas. Having converted to Catholicism in 2019, Vance has had disagreements with the pope regarding the Trump administration’s migration policy and its plans for mass deportations.
Just days before his hospitalization in February, Francis cautioned that US policies would strip migrants of their inherent dignity.
In a letter to US bishops, Francis appeared to directly address Vance’s assertion that Catholic doctrine supported such deportation policies. While Vance has acknowledged the pope’s criticism, he has maintained that he will continue to defend his stance.
During a late February appearance at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington, Vance did not specifically address the controversy but described himself as a “baby Catholic” and admitted there are “things about the faith that I don’t know.”
On Saturday, Vance met with the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and Foreign Minister Archbishop Paul Gallagher. The vice president’s office indicated that Vance and Parolin “discussed their shared religious faith, Catholicism in the United States, the plight of persecuted Christian communities worldwide, and President Trump’s commitment to restoring world peace.”
The Vatican noted there was an “exchange of opinions,” which included discussions on migrants and refugees as well as ongoing conflicts. Traditionally diplomatic and neutral, the Holy See has approached the Trump administration with caution while aiming to maintain productive relations.
It has expressed concern over the administration’s stringent measures against migrants and cuts in international aid, all while advocating for peaceful resolutions to the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
In the days that followed, as news of Pope Francis’s declining health spread, Vance’s visit took on an even greater significance. It became a reminder of the Pope’s enduring legacy and the impact of his leadership on global issues. The blessing Vance received was seen as a call to action for leaders everywhere to embrace a spirit of love and service, guided by the principles of their faith.
As their conversation drew to a close, the atmosphere became one of solemnity and reverence. Pope Francis placed his hands on Vance’s shoulders, offering a profound blessing. He prayed for wisdom, strength, and compassion for Vance as he navigated the complexities of his role in public service. This blessing, laden with the Pope’s hopes for a more harmonious future, left a lasting impression on the Vice President.