US Vice President JD Vance met with senior Vatican officials on Saturday during his Easter weekend visit to Rome, engaging in thoughtful discussions on pressing global humanitarian issues. Key topics included the plight of migrants, refugees, and prisoners—subjects that have been a source of concern between the Trump administration and American church leaders.
Vance, a practicing Catholic, attended a solemn Good Friday service at St. Peter’s Basilica with his family and later held official talks with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States.
This marked the first direct meeting between the Vatican and the Trump administration during its second term, signaling a step towards dialogue despite ongoing tensions, particularly over immigration.
According to a Vatican communiqué, the two sides exchanged views on the “international situation, especially regarding countries affected by war, political tensions, and difficult humanitarian conditions.” Special attention was given to the needs of migrants, refugees, and prisoners.
The statement also highlighted the hope for “serene collaboration between the State and the Catholic Church in the United States,” recognizing the Church’s long-standing efforts in serving vulnerable populations.
Despite policy differences, the Vatican reaffirmed its commitment to open dialogue. The talks emphasized the “good bilateral relations” between the Holy See and the United States, along with a shared dedication to protecting religious freedom and conscience rights.
Following the meeting, Vance took to social media platform X, writing:
“I’m grateful every day for this job, but particularly today, where my official duties have brought me to Rome on Good Friday. I had a great meeting with Prime Minister Meloni and her team, and will head to church soon with my family in this beautiful city.”
He added a heartfelt message:
“I wish all Christians all over the world, but particularly those back home in the US, a blessed Good Friday.”
This visit comes as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to engage with global religious leaders, even amid ongoing domestic debates over immigration enforcement and humanitarian policy.
