Vice President JD Vance met with top Vatican officials on Saturday during his Easter weekend visit to Italy, as the Trump administration faces increasing scrutiny from the Catholic Church over its tough immigration policies and reduced foreign aid. The high-profile diplomatic meeting took place against the backdrop of mounting global crises and ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza.
According to the Associated Press, Vance sat down with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Holy See’s Foreign Minister. The Vatican released a statement following the meeting, which highlighted concerns about the United States’ approach to immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump.
“There was an exchange of opinions on the international situation, especially regarding countries affected by war, political tensions and difficult humanitarian situations, with particular attention to migrants, refugees, and prisoners,” the statement read. It also emphasized the importance of “serene collaboration between the State and the Catholic Church in the United States.”
Vatican Alarmed Over U.S. Immigration Crackdown
The Vatican’s caution comes in response to Trump’s deportation policies, which have led to a spike in removals of illegal immigrants from the U.S. — including individuals with criminal records who entered the country unlawfully. The Holy See reiterated its commitment to protecting migrants and refugees, in stark contrast to the Trump administration’s promise to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of American citizens.
Tensions between the Vatican and the White House are not new. In 2016, Pope Francis called Trump’s proposed mass deportations “not Christian” and “a disgrace.” Despite that, a recent CNBC poll shows that the policy has growing domestic support, with a +7 net approval rating among American voters, suggesting his policies remain politically popular.
Vance Balances Faith and Statecraft
Vice President Vance’s Rome trip was as much about diplomacy as it was about devotion. On Good Friday, he and his family attended religious services at the Vatican. In a personal message posted to social media, Vance reflected on the significance of the moment:
“I’m grateful every day for this job, but particularly today where my official duties have brought me to Rome on Good Friday,” he wrote. “I wish all Christians all over the world, but particularly those back home in the US, a blessed Good Friday. He died so that we might live.”
Vance also held a separate meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a close Trump ally in Europe, to discuss joint efforts on border security, religious freedom, and the ongoing refugee crisis triggered by conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
A Delicate Balancing Act
Despite the Vatican’s protests, the Trump administration is continuing to press forward with its immigration enforcement efforts — a core promise to its base. Vance, a devout Catholic and a rising star in Republican politics, now finds himself navigating the complex terrain of faith-based diplomacy and policy execution.
The visit reflects an evolving chapter in U.S.-Vatican relations, as both sides seek a balance between principle and pragmatism — a delicate task in a world increasingly shaped by security threats, cultural divides, and shifting public sentiment.
As President Trump continues to reshape American immigration and foreign policy, all eyes will remain on how Vice President Vance manages the administration’s global relationships — and how his faith may inform his path forward.
The vice president’s visit also took on added gravity following the passing of Pope Francis, who died Easter Monday after more than a decade leading the Catholic Church.
This morning, Vance wrote on X, “I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him. I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful. May God rest his soul.”
