Vice President JD Vance met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, in Rome on Saturday. This meeting was part of Vance’s official trip to Italy and India. The two discussed various international issues, focusing on migrants, refugees, and the challenges faced by persecuted Christian communities globally.
Vance’s visit comes at a time when immigration and deportation policies are hot topics in the United States. He criticized the media and Democrats for what he described as a "disgraceful set of priorities" regarding migrant deportations. In a video clip, Vance expressed his concerns about how the mainstream media portrays these issues, particularly in relation to the Trump administration’s policies.
During the meeting, Vance and Parolin shared views on the state of Catholicism in the U.S. and the importance of collaboration between the government and the Church in addressing humanitarian needs. The Vatican acknowledged the valuable work done by the Catholic Church in assisting vulnerable populations.
Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, emphasized the significance of his faith in discussions about global challenges. He expressed hope for better relations between the U.S. and the Vatican, despite past disagreements over immigration policies.
The vice president’s trip included a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, where they discussed various issues, including trade. Vance shared his gratitude for the opportunity to be in Rome on Good Friday, reflecting on the importance of the day for Christians.
After his time in Italy, Vance is set to travel to India, where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This trip highlights Vance’s role in international diplomacy and the ongoing conversations about immigration and humanitarian issues on a global scale.