US Vice President JD Vance, who recently had a spat with Pope Francis regarding immigration laws, went through the ritual of a Good Friday service at the Vatican on Friday, the day Christians celebrate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Vance, along with his wife, Usha, and his three children, were spotted entering the St. Peter’s Basilica for the religious service. The vice president held one of his children in his arms as they walked in. But Pope Francis, who was recovering from double pneumonia, didn’t show up at the service as part of his limited outing, as instructed by doctors.
Vance, a Catholic since 2019, had been in disagreement with the Pope regarding the immigration policies of the Trump administration, especially the deportations of millions of migrants. The Pope has been vocal in his criticism of such policies as a “disgrace” and a “major crisis” for the US Vance, on the other hand, has relied on medieval Catholic theology to justify the administration’s policy on immigration. This theological conflict resulted in an open letter from Pope Francis last February, in which he rebuked Vance’s defense of the policy by stressing the value of treating with respect the equal dignity of all human beings.
On Sunday, later in the weekend, Vance will be meeting with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin for a formal meeting. Pope Francis is not anticipated to be present. Despite tensions, the meeting is considered a chance for contentious but respectful dialogue between the US and Vatican officials on topics of social justice and immigration. Vance can also visit Easter festivities at the Vatican on Sunday, although the Pope’s presence is still in doubt.
