Importance Score: 70 / 100 🔴
Vatican Meeting: Pope Francis and US Vice President Vance Discuss Migrants
Pope Francis met with US Vice President JD Vance at the Vatican on Easter Sunday, just a day after Easter Monday, in an effort to improve strained relations between the Pontiff and the political figure. Discussions reportedly touched on contentious issues, including migration policies.
Awkward Encounter Follows Migration Policy Differences
The 88-year-old Pope and Vance engaged in a somewhat tense exchange at the Vatican on Easter Sunday. This followed previous strong criticism from Pope Francis regarding the Trump administration’s approach to undocumented migrants. The meeting occurred shortly after Vance, a Catholic convert, had seemingly been initially scheduled to meet only with Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and Foreign Minister, Archbishop Peter Gallagher, possibly indicating a diplomatic snub.
Meeting Described as Brief by Vatican
According to Vatican sources, the audience between the Vice President and the Pope was ‘brief,’ lasting only a few minutes. It is understood that migration and the former Trump administration’s plans for widespread migrant deportations were points of sharp disagreement between Vance and the Pope. Pope Francis has consistently emphasized the importance of caring for migrants throughout his papacy.
Easter Gifts and Health Greetings
During the encounter, the Pope presented Vice President Vance, who is Catholic, with three large chocolate Easter eggs intended for his children, who were not present. He also gifted a Vatican tie and rosaries. “I know you have not been feeling well, but it is good to see you in better health,” Vance remarked to the Pope. “Thank you for meeting with me.”
Discreet Vatican Arrival
Vance’s motorcade entered Vatican City discreetly through a side entrance while Easter Mass celebrations were underway in St. Peter’s Square. Pope Francis had delegated the Easter Mass celebration to another cardinal.
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Vatican Confirms Easter Greetings Exchange
The Vatican confirmed that the brief meeting at the Domus Santa Marta was for the purpose of “exchanging Easter greetings.” Vance’s office issued a statement indicating the Vice President’s appreciation to Pope Francis for “inviting him to meet on Easter Sunday and for the hospitality the Vatican has extended to his family.”
Prayers and Farewell
“I pray for you every day,” Vance stated as he bid farewell to Pope Francis. “God bless you.” In total, Vance’s motorcade remained within Vatican territory for 17 minutes.
Easter Mass at St. Paul Outside the Walls
Following the Vatican visit, Vice President Vance joined his family for Easter Mass at St. Paul Outside the Walls, recognized as one of Rome’s four major papal basilicas. The Vance family also visited the tomb of St. Paul the Apostle, believed to be located at the basilica.
Background of Policy Clash
Prior to his hospitalization in February, Pope Francis had voiced strong opposition to deportation plans, asserting that such actions would strip migrants of their fundamental dignity. Furthermore, in a letter addressed to US bishops, Pope Francis appeared to directly address Vance’s claims that Catholic doctrine justified such policies.
Vance Defends Stance Amid Criticism
Although acknowledging Pope Francis’s criticism, Vance has publicly stated his intention to continue defending his views on migration policy.
Earlier Vatican Meetings
On the preceding Saturday, Vice President Vance held meetings with Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and Foreign Minister, Archbishop Paul Gallagher.
Discussions on Faith and Global Issues
According to the Vice President’s office, discussions between Vance and Cardinal Parolin encompassed their shared Catholic faith, the state of Catholicism in the United States, the challenges faced by persecuted Christian communities globally, and President Trump’s dedication to restoring global peace. The Vatican’s account of the meeting indicated an “exchange of opinions” that included topics such as migrants and refugees, as well as ongoing international conflicts.
Holy See’s Cautious Diplomacy
The Holy See has adopted a cautious approach in its relations with the Trump administration, aiming to maintain productive dialogue in line with its tradition of diplomatic impartiality. While expressing concern over the administration’s stricter stance on migrants and reductions in international aid, the Vatican has also emphasized the need for peaceful resolutions to conflicts in regions such as Ukraine and Gaza.
Rome Visit and Good Friday Services
Vice President Vance spent the Easter weekend in Rome with his family. Prior to the Vatican meeting, he attended Good Friday services at St Peter’s Basilica and met with Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni.
Vance’s ‘Postliberal’ Catholic Identity
The Vice President, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, associates with a ‘postliberal’ intellectual movement within Catholicism. This movement, described by some critics as having reactionary or authoritarian tendencies, shares some traditional Catholic conservative viewpoints, particularly regarding abortion and LGBTQ+ rights.
Postliberal Ideals
Postliberals advocate for a societal counterrevolution aimed at gaining influence within government and institutions, including universities. Their goal is to replace established ‘elites’ with individuals aligned with their vision of the ‘common good.’
Reiteration of Migration Stance
Pope Francis’s prior condemnation of deportation plans, and his assertion that they undermine migrants’ dignity, were reiterated through his letter to US bishops, seemingly as a direct response to Vance’s justification of these policies based on Catholic doctrine.
‘Ordo Amoris’ Theological Concept
Vance had previously defended the administration’s “America-first” approach by referencing the theological concept of ‘ordo amoris’ from medieval Catholic theology. He interpreted this concept as establishing a hierarchy of care, prioritizing family, then neighbor, community, fellow citizens, and lastly, those in other countries.
Pope Francis Corrects Vance’s Interpretation
In his February 10 letter, Pope Francis directly addressed and appeared to correct Vance’s understanding of ‘ordo amoris.’ “Christian love is not a concentric expansion of interests that little by little extends to other persons and groups,” he wrote.
Emphasis on Universal Fraternity
“The true ordo amoris that must be promoted is that which we discover by meditating constantly on the parable of the Good Samaritan, that is, by meditating on the love that builds a fraternity open to all, without exception,” Pope Francis emphasized.
Vatican Statement Reflects Cordial Tone
The Vatican’s subsequent statement on the meeting described the talks as cordial and expressed satisfaction with the Trump administration’s commitment to protecting religious freedom and conscience. The statement further elaborated that 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.”
Call for ‘Serene Collaboration’
The reference to “serene collaboration” in the Vatican statement appeared to allude to Vance’s prior accusation that the US Conference of Catholic Bishops was involved in resettling undocumented immigrants to secure federal funding. Senior US Cardinals have strongly refuted this claim.