Immigration affairs at the Vatican: US vice president meets with Vatican officials to discuss ideas
J.D. Vance met with senior Vatican officials over Easter weekend to discuss issues such as migration, refugees, and the international situation. The meeting comes amid tensions over the Trump administration's stances.
US Vice President J.D. Vance met this Saturday with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Holy See, to exchange views on humanitarian and international policy issues. The conversation included issues such as the situation of migrants, refugees, and prisoners, in a context marked by Pope Francis' recent criticism of the Trump administration's immigration policy.
The meeting took place in Rome over Easter weekend, where Vance, a practicing Catholic, also attended a religious ceremony in St. Peter's Basilica. Despite the significance of the meeting, a direct audience with the pontiff, who continues to recover from double pneumonia, was not confirmed. This was the first in-person interaction between representatives of the Vatican and Trump's second vice presidency.
Tensions and conflicting positions on immigration and Ukraine
The Vatican has repeatedly expressed its concern about US immigration policy, especially regarding deportations and cuts to assistance programs such as USAID. During the meeting, the importance of protecting vulnerable populations was reiterated, highlighting the work of the Catholic Church in this area. The Vatican also expressed its interest in maintaining a constructive relationship with the US government.
Regarding Ukraine, Cardinal Parolin reaffirmed the Vatican's support for the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, making it clear that any decision regarding negotiations must come from the Ukrainian people themselves. This contrasts with the more flexible stance of the Trump administration, which has promoted a ceasefire as part of its diplomatic agenda.
Cross-criticism and call for respectful dialogue
Prior to the meeting, Pope Francis had refuted Vice President Vance's use of the theological concept "ordo amoris," which he used to justify immigration control policies. In a letter to the U.S. bishops, the pontiff affirmed that the true order of love is based on an open and inclusive fraternity, referring to the parable of the Good Samaritan.
Despite the disagreements, the official Vatican statement emphasized the importance of respectful dialogue and strong bilateral relations. It also highlighted the value of a shared commitment to religious freedom and conscience, and the hope for peaceful collaboration between the State and the Catholic Church in the United States.