JD Vance meets Pope Francis on Easter Sunday amid tensions over migration policy

VATICAN CITY (AP) — U.S. Vice President JD Vance had a brief but meaningful encounter with Pope Francis on Easter Sunday, marking a moment of cordial exchange following their previous disagreements over the Trump administration's controversial migrant deportation plans.

The 88-year-old Pope, who is currently recovering from a serious bout of pneumonia, welcomed Vance into the Vatican at the Domus Santa Marta, a residence where he resides. The two men spent a few minutes together, exchanging Easter greetings in a low-key but significant meeting. During their conversation, Vance expressed his well-wishes to the Pope for his recovery, saying, “I know you have not been feeling great, but it’s good to see you in better health. Thank you for seeing me.” In a gesture of kindness, Pope Francis gifted Vance three large chocolate Easter eggs for his young children, who were not present at the meeting. He also presented a Vatican tie and rosaries to the vice president.

While Vance’s motorcade entered Vatican City through a side gate as Easter Mass was being celebrated in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope had delegated the Mass celebration to another cardinal due to his health condition. The meeting between Vance and Pope Francis was brief but marked a key moment in their ongoing relationship, especially considering their past differences on key issues.

Vance’s office later confirmed that he expressed his gratitude to Pope Francis for the Easter Sunday meeting and the Vatican's hospitality. Before departing, Vance told the Pope, “I pray for you every day. God bless you.”

Despite the warmth of their interaction, Vance and Pope Francis have previously clashed over immigration policy. The Vice President, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, has been vocal in supporting the Trump administration’s stance on mass deportations, a policy that Pope Francis has sharply criticized. The Pope, a strong advocate for migrants and refugees, has made care for displaced people a cornerstone of his papacy. Just days before his hospitalization in February, Pope Francis condemned the mass deportations, warning that such policies would strip migrants of their inherent dignity. He also appeared to directly challenge Vance’s assertion that Catholic doctrine justified the Trump administration’s approach.

Vance acknowledged the Pope’s criticism but has defended his stance. During a February appearance at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast, he referred to himself as a “baby Catholic” and admitted that he was still learning about the faith. The meeting on Easter Sunday comes after a series of discussions between Vance and key Vatican officials. On Saturday, he met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's secretary of state, and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s foreign minister. According to Vance’s office, their conversations centered on shared religious beliefs, the challenges facing persecuted Christian communities, and discussions surrounding global peace, especially in the context of the Trump administration's policies.

While Pope Francis and the Vatican have taken a neutral diplomatic stance in many areas, including their cautious response to the Trump administration, they continue to advocate for peaceful resolutions to ongoing conflicts such as the war in Ukraine and the crisis in Gaza. At the same time, they have expressed alarm over the U.S. administration’s tough stance on immigration and cuts to international aid.

Following his brief meeting with the Pope, Vance attended Easter Mass at St. Paul Outside the Walls, one of the four major basilicas in Rome, where he and his family visited the tomb of St. Paul. This visit to the Vatican, which lasted just 17 minutes, highlighted the complex interplay between faith, politics, and diplomacy as both Vance and Pope Francis navigate their differing views on immigration and international relations.

As the Vice President prepares to return to his official duties, the relationship between him and Pope Francis remains a focal point for those observing the intersection of faith and politics in American and global governance.