Rome — The Vatican is urging constructive dialogue and mutual understanding on global migration and human rights following a high-level meeting Saturday between U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and senior Holy See officials. The visit comes at a time of growing scrutiny over U.S. immigration policies and their alignment with Catholic teachings.
Vice President Vance, a Catholic convert since 2019, met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, who oversees the Holy See’s foreign relations. The discussions touched on a range of global concerns, including migration, religious freedom, and the treatment of prisoners.
According to a statement from Vance’s office, the talks also included personal reflections on faith, the influence of Catholicism in American society, the global persecution of Christian communities, and former President Donald Trump’s vision for international peace.
The Vatican described the meetings as “cordial and constructive,” emphasizing a shared commitment to dialogue on issues such as refugee protection and fostering cooperation between religious institutions and governments. The Holy See reaffirmed its longstanding position in favor of religious freedom and humanitarian values.
The visit comes amid ongoing tensions between Vice President Vance and Pope Francis, particularly over the Biden administration’s — and previously the Trump administration’s — approach to immigration. In February, Vance invoked the theological concept ordo amoris, or the “right order of love,” to justify mass deportations — a statement that drew a rare public rebuttal from the pontiff. Pope Francis responded by stressing that Christian love must be universal and inclusive, warning against interpretations that exclude vulnerable populations.
While in Rome for the Easter holiday, Vance also held talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and attended Good Friday services at St. Peter’s Basilica. He briefly met Pope Francis after the service to exchange Easter greetings, marking a symbolic moment of civility despite their differences.
The Vatican continues to advocate for compassion and dialogue in global policymaking, especially on migration — a stance that remains at odds with hardline U.S. immigration measures under continued debate in Washington.
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