JD Vance meets with Vatican officials about international conflicts, deportations

Vice President JD Vance recently had a significant meeting with the Vatican’s No. 2 official in Rome. During the meeting, Vice President Vance and Cardinal Pietro Parolin engaged in discussions on various international issues, with a particular focus on migrants, refugees, and prisoners in countries affected by war and political tensions. The Vatican expressed hope for a harmonious collaboration between the United States government and the Catholic Church, acknowledging the Church’s essential service to vulnerable populations.

Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, also met with Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s foreign minister. The discussions touched on topics such as shared religious faith, Catholicism in the United States, persecuted Christian communities worldwide, and President Trump’s efforts to promote global peace.

The meeting took place amid Pope Francis’ reduced official engagements due to health concerns. The Vatican has previously clashed with the Trump administration over deportation policies but affirmed its continued positive relationship with the United States following the meeting.

Vance’s visit to the Vatican is part of an official trip to Italy and India. Accompanied by his wife Usha Vance and their two children, Vance arrived in Rome on Friday, where he met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Expressing gratitude for his responsibilities as Vice President, Vance shared his experiences in Rome on Good Friday, highlighting his meeting with Prime Minister Meloni and attending a church service with his family.

The discussions at the Vatican come in the wake of President Trump’s meeting with Prime Minister Meloni in the White House to discuss a trade agreement. U.S. Bishop Robert Barron, also known for his online evangelism and founding Word on Fire Ministries, commended Vice President Vance’s meeting with Vatican officials, emphasizing the importance of addressing key issues such as immigration and the conflict in Ukraine.

Vance is set to depart Italy for India, where he will meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of the second leg of his official trip. The visit underscores the significance of diplomatic engagements and international relations in advancing peace, cooperation, and understanding among nations.