Pope Francis met briefly with JD Vance in Rome on Sunday to exchange Easter greetings, despite their previous public disagreements regarding immigration policies during the Trump administration.
This meeting took place a day after US Vice President Kamala Harris held discussions with senior Vatican officials, particularly focused on international conflicts and immigration.
Francis, who has been recuperating from a recent bout of pneumonia, welcomed Vance at the Domus Santa Marta, the Vatican hotel where he resides.
During their brief encounter, the 88-year-old pontiff presented Vance with three large chocolate Easter eggs for his young children, as well as a Vatican tie and rosaries.
“I know you have not been feeling great, but it’s good to see you in better health,” Vance remarked to the pope.
“Thank you for seeing me.”
According to the Vatican, the two leaders shared a moment to exchange Easter greetings, although the meeting was relatively short, lasting about 17 minutes.
Following the meeting, Vance attended Easter mass with his family at St. Paul Outside the Walls, where they visited the tomb of St. Paul, one of the four major basilicas in Rome.
The differing views between Vance and Pope Francis on migration policy have been well documented.
In February, Francis criticized the Trump administration’s aggressive deportation strategies, stating that they contribute to a “major crisis” impacting the dignity of men and women.
He addressed US bishops in a letter, seemingly responding directly to Vance’s claims that Catholic doctrine could support such immigration policies.
Vance acknowledged the pope’s critique but expressed his intention to continue advocating his stance on immigration, highlighting his position during the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast as a “baby Catholic,” admitting that there are aspects of the faith he is still learning about.
On the day prior to his meeting with the pope, Vance engaged with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, as well as Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s foreign minister.
Their discussions included topics such as their shared Catholic faith, the situation of persecuted Christian communities worldwide, and President Trump’s dedication to achieving global peace.
The Vatican also confirmed that there was an “exchange of opinions” during these discussions, particularly concerning issues related to migrants, refugees, and ongoing conflicts.
The Vatican’s statement added that both parties expressed hope for “serene collaboration” between the Catholic Church and the state in the United States, acknowledging the church’s valuable service to vulnerable populations.
This reference to collaboration seems to address Vance’s earlier accusations about the US Conference of Catholic Bishops allegedly resettling “illegal immigrants” for federal funding, claims which have faced significant rebuttal from senior US cardinals.
In the traditional Urbi et Orbi message, read on his behalf on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis called on global leaders to assist those in need and to foster peace.
This meeting between Pope Francis and JD Vance embodies the complexities of faith intersecting with political discourse, particularly around critical humanitarian issues like immigration.
image source from：https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/20/jd-vance-granted-lightning-audience-with-pope-francis-in-vatican
