US Vice President JD Vance met with Pope Francis on Saturday (April 19), according to a news release cited by sources. According to Sky News, the ‘fast and private’ meeting took place in the Pope’s residence, Casa Santa Marta, in Vatican City. The meeting took place against the backdrop of growing tensions between the Vatican and the Trump administration about his hard attitude about immigration and recent cuts to international aid programs. No official reading or images of the meeting were released, and the Vatican did not issue a public statement on the discussion. The pope, which has recovered from a severe attack of double pneumonia, has significantly reduced its public commitments over the past few weeks. Pope Francis is outspoken in his criticism of mass portations and has always advocated for migrant rights and extensive humanitarian support. Papal rebuke over migrants and death penalty, Francis, has long been against the death penalty, supported by Trump and his allies. In February, just before his hospitalization, Francis exploded Massa Portation Plans and warned that they deprived migrants of dignity. While Vance defended the Trump administration’s policy, he recently acknowledged the moral leadership of the Pope, and referred to himself as a ‘baby Catholics’ that still teaches faith. Vance, converted to Catholicism in 2019, is currently visiting Rome with his family over the Easter weekend. On the same day, he also met with the number two of the Vatican, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the secretary of the sacred chair, for relations with states. In a statement to the meetings, the Vatican said the talks were ‘cordial’, but recognized ‘an exchange of opinions’ on a number of sensitive issues, including international conflicts, migrants and prisoners. ‘Particular attention’ was donated to ‘migrants, refugees and prisoners’,’ says the statement, which is an indication of the administration’s migrant oppression and approach to foreign policy. A Roman holiday with Family Vance, who spends Easter weekend in Rome with his family, toured the Sixtine Chapel and visited Rome’s Botanical Gardens. Where the Vance family attends Easter mass, it remains unclear. The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis intends to Easter mass on the St. To celebrate Peter’s Square, which allows health. First published: 20 Apr 2025, 12:50 am Ist
JD Vance meets Pope Francis in ‘Private’, Vatican No. 2 amid tension over American immigration policies | Today news
