Vice-President JD Vance, who converted to Catholicism at 35 in 2019, will visit Rome this Friday, where he has scheduled meetings with Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the Vatican Secretary of State. However, a key goal not on the official itinerary is to meet Pope Francis. Sources suggest that Vance is fervently hoping for at least a brief audience with the pontiff, which could enhance the significance of his trip, especially as it coincides with Easter, a pivotal time for Catholics.
Such a meeting would be laden with symbolic meaning and could indicate improving relations between the Vatican and the United States, following months of tensions over issues like migration and moral leadership. The Pope has previously criticized mass deportations of people fleeing poverty, highlighting the dignity of those affected. As noted by Father Roberto Regoli from the Pontifical Gregorian University, both Vance and the Pope represent influential Catholic figures—one leading the Church and the other holding a high-ranking political position.
While the White House and vice-presidential office have not commented on Vance’s visit specifics, the Vatican has not confirmed any formal meetings. The Pope has recently faced health challenges, having spent five weeks in the hospital for double pneumonia and canceling numerous appointments since his return. However, he has begun to make surprise appearances, which raises hope for a potential encounter with Vance.
A Papal photo op would significantly benefit Vance, possibly countering perceptions of him as at odds with the Church. David Gibson from Fordham University suggests that such a moment would reflect Pope Francis’s inclusive character and willingness to engage with various political figures, regardless of differing beliefs. Nevertheless, if no meeting occurs, it may lead to speculation regarding a possible snub or concerns about the Pope's health.
Aside from his Papal hopes, Vance does have a confirmed meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a fellow Catholic who supports strict migration policies aligned with the US administration. This meeting may illuminate Vance’s intent to bolster ideological ties in Europe, particularly given Meloni's rising influence as a mediator between the EU and the US on contentious topics such as trade and tariffs.
Vance has previously expressed critical views on European leaders, accusing them of abandoning free speech and political correctness. His tensions with some Vatican leaders also stem from the Trump administration's hardline immigration policies, which have faced opposition from Catholic officials, including Pope Francis, who advocates for a compassionate approach guided by Gospel teachings.
While Vance seeks alignment with Catholic doctrine to justify strict immigration policies, he has faced critique from bishops warning against narrowing the Church’s compassionate stance. A meeting with Pope Francis would not only juxtapose their differing views but could also enhance Vance’s image within the Church.
During this trip, Vance will also engage with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, and participate in Easter Sunday observances. Raised in a secular environment and embarking on his spiritual journey later in life, Vance’s conversion stems from a quest for a moral grounding he found in Catholicism, helping him make sense of societal challenges presented in his memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy."
