In a high-level diplomatic meeting, US Vice President JD Vance met with top officials from the Vatican to discuss the complex issue of migration. This meeting comes a few months after Pope Francis raised an eyebrow when the strict immigration policies of the present US government were scrutinized.
JD Vance, who is a convert to Catholicism, had talks with the Vatican that were “cordial” in the words of the Vatican with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State and second-in-command of the Holy See, and Paul Gallagher, the secretary for relations with states.
The negotiations addressed a number of issues of international concern, particularly those relating to countries involved in conflict and countries facing political unrest and humanitarian crises, the Vatican stated. The situation of migrants, refugees, and prisoners was specifically addressed. Both sides reiterated their shared commitment to uphold the right to freedom of religion and conscience.
Earlier this year, Pope Francis had drawn criticism from the White House after he criticized former President Trump’s mass deportation plans in a letter to US bishops, describing it as a “major crisis.” In response, Trump’s border official invited the pope to “stick to” religious matters.
Though Pope Francis’ desire to see Vance, recuperating from a serious bout of pneumonia, was reported, the Vatican showed no such meeting with the 88-year-old pontiff. Though the pope has resumed some official duties, news about Vance’s full agenda in Rome has gone unannounced.
Pope Francis has also previously made strong stands during US election time, denouncing xenophobic anti-migrant speech as “madness” and criticizing conservative Catholic bishops for their positions on immigration. The Vatican acknowledged Saturday’s meeting after which it noticed the large role played by the US Catholic Church in advocating for the most needy of society.
