US Vice President JD Vance recently met with Pope Francis in a brief and private meeting at the Pope’s residence, Casa Santa Marta, in Vatican City. This meeting, reported by Sky News, comes at a time of heightened tensions between the Vatican and the Trump administration, particularly over issues related to immigration and international aid.
The meeting took place while Vance was in Rome with his family. He also had discussions with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s second-in-command, and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s foreign minister. According to a statement from the Vatican, the talks included a range of topics such as international conflicts, the situation of migrants, and the plight of prisoners. Both sides reportedly engaged in "cordial talks," with the Vatican expressing approval of the Trump administration’s commitment to protecting religious freedom.
Notably, Pope Francis has previously criticized the Trump administration’s immigration policies, calling certain deportation plans a "disgrace." This criticism has created a complicated dynamic, as Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, has defended the administration’s stance using medieval Catholic teachings. However, the Pope has openly challenged these views, stating that policies based on force rather than respect for human dignity are destined to fail.
Vance acknowledged the Pope’s criticisms but stated he would continue to uphold his beliefs. He has referred to himself as a "baby Catholic," admitting there are aspects of the faith he is still learning about. Despite past criticisms of the Pope on social media, Vance has recently shown support for the pontiff, posting prayers for his recovery after the Pope spent weeks in the hospital due to double pneumonia.
The meeting underscores the ongoing dialogue between U.S. political leaders and the Vatican, especially on sensitive issues like immigration and human rights. As both sides navigate these complex discussions, the outcome remains to be seen.