Apr 20, 2025 - Politics & Policy

Vance meets with Pope Francis after pontiff's criticism of Trump policies

Rebecca Falconer

Pope Francis meets with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and delegation during an audience at Casa Santa Marta on April 20, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. — Vice President Vance and Pope Francis during an audience at Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City, Vatican, on Easter Sunday. Photo: Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images

Pope Francis met with Vice President Vance for "a few minutes" on Easter Sunday, the Vatican said.

Why it matters: The previously unannounced meeting came one day after the Vatican said Vance had "an exchange of opinions" during a meeting with its top officials on matters including "countries affected by war, political tensions and difficult humanitarian situations," in particular immigration and prisoners.

The pope has publicly criticized the Trump administration's aggressive immigration policies and appeared to take issue with Vance in February over his citing of Catholic doctrine in defending the action.

The big picture: The brief meeting comes as the 88-year-old leader of the world's 1.4 billion Roman Catholics recovers from double pneumonia, which saw him hospitalized for over five weeks after being admitted with bronchitis symptoms.

Details: "I know you have not been feeling great but it's good to see you in better health," said Vance, who was baptized as a Catholic in 2019, per video of the meeting in Vatican City.

The pope thanked Vance for his visit and Vance replied: "Of course, thank you for seeing me."
Vance told Francis he prayed for him "every day" and wished him Happy Easter before leaving.
An aide to the pontiff gave Vance gifts that included chocolate Easter eggs for his three children, a Vatican tie and rosaries.

Flashback: Vance tells Catholic bishops to "look in the mirror" over immigration policy concerns

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Vance meets with Pope Francis after pontiff's criticism of Trump policies

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