U.S. Vice President JD Vance visited the Vatican, meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin to discuss international relations, religious freedom, and humanitarian concerns. The discussions included topics such as migration, countries affected by war, and political tensions. Vance also attended the Good Friday liturgy at St. Peter's Basilica with his family. The visit comes amid existing bilateral relations between the Holy See and the United States, and commitment to protect religious freedom was reaffirmed.
11 days ago
U.S. Vice President JD Vance visited the Vatican on April 19, 2025, meeting with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher 1 2 3 4 5 9. The visit, part of an international tour including Italy and India, also involved Vance's family, who participated in Holy Week observances 1 2. Vance's presence in Rome included attending the Liturgy of the Lord's Passion on Good Friday at St. Peter's Basilica 1 2 3 4 9 11 13 14 16 18 19.
Discussions during the Vatican visit centered on several key areas of mutual interest and concern 1 2 3 4 5 9. These included the promotion and defense of religious freedom and conscience, a point of agreement between the U.S. and the Holy See 1 2 3 4 9. The parties also exchanged views on the international situation, with particular attention to countries affected by war, political tensions, and humanitarian crises 1 2 3 4 5 9. Migration, refugees, and prisoners were specifically highlighted as areas needing attention 1 2 3 4 5 9.
The visit occurred against a backdrop of existing tensions between the Trump administration and the Vatican, particularly regarding immigration policies 1 2 3 4 8 13 14 18 19. Pope Francis had previously criticized the administration's plans for mass deportations, a stance defended by Vance 1 4 13 14 18 19. These tensions extend to foreign aid, with Vatican officials expressing concern over cuts impacting vulnerable populations 1 4 8. Cardinal Parolin advocated for multilateralism and diplomacy in addressing global issues, a subtle critique of the Trump administration's approach 1 4 5 8.
Beyond the widely discussed policy differences, Vance's visit also coincided with the Vatican preparing to seek assistance from U.S. authorities regarding a financial scandal 10. This involves the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae (SCV), a suppressed Catholic organization based in Peru, accused of international money laundering and financial fraud 10. Allegations suggest that funds were diverted to holding companies in the United States, prompting the Vatican to consider sharing information with U.S. financial watchdogs 10. The SCV is accused of abusing a church-state agreement to gain tax breaks, amassing a fortune estimated at $1 billion 10.
Justice, in Catholic teaching, is the moral virtue that consists in the constant and firm will to give their due to God and neighbor . It involves respecting the rights of each person and establishing harmony in human relationships to promote equity and the common good . Charity, on the other hand, goes beyond justice because it involves giving and offering what is "mine" to another .
Justice and charity are not separate but intrinsically linked . Justice is the primary way of charity and the minimum measure of it . As Pope Benedict XVI stated, "If we love others with charity, then first of all we are just towards them" . Charity without justice is not true charity, and justice should always be tempered with mercy .
The Church emphasizes that both justice and charity are essential for a well-ordered society . Justice seeks to build the earthly city according to law and fairness, while charity transcends this by fostering relationships of gratuitousness, mercy, and communion . This balance is reflected in the Church's social doctrine, which promotes principles that guide individuals and communities in pursuing a social order marked by justice, freedom, fraternal solidarity, and peace .
The Catholic Church understands justice and charity as complementary virtues that must be balanced. Justice ensures that everyone receives what is due to them, while charity goes further by inspiring generosity, compassion, and a willingness to share . By integrating both justice and charity, the Church seeks to create a society that respects the dignity of every person and promotes the common good .