U.S. Vice President JD Vance visited the Vatican, meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin to discuss international relations, religious freedom, and humanitarian issues. The visit included attending the Good Friday service at St. Peter's Basilica. Discussions focused on countries affected by war, political tensions, and migration, with an emphasis on migrants and refugees. The visit also comes as the Vatican seeks U.S. assistance in an international financial scandal.
7 days ago
U.S. Vice President JD Vance visited the Vatican on Holy Saturday, April 19, 2025, as part of an international tour that included Italy and India 1. The visit included attending the Solemn Liturgy for the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday at St. Peter’s Basilica with his family 1 2 6 9 10 13. A key event was Vance's meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher 1 2 3 6.
During the meeting with Cardinal Parolin, discussions focused on pressing global issues 1 2 3 6. These included countries affected by war, political tensions, and difficult humanitarian situations, with specific attention given to migrants, refugees, and prisoners 1 2 3. Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to protecting religious freedom and freedom of conscience 1 2 6. The Vatican acknowledged the Catholic Church's valuable service to vulnerable populations in the United States 1 2 6.
The Holy See expressed satisfaction with the existing bilateral relations between the United States and the Vatican 1 2 6. However, the visit occurred against a backdrop of some disagreements between the Vatican and the Trump administration 1 2 9 10 13. Notably, there have been differing views on immigration policies, particularly regarding the deportation of undocumented immigrants 1 2 9 10 13. Conversely, the Trump administration has received praise from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops for its stance on gender ideology and religious freedom 1 2 9 13.
A significant aspect of Vance's visit, according to some reports, involves a potential request from the Vatican for U.S. assistance in investigating an international financial scandal 7. This scandal involves the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae (SCV), a suppressed Catholic organization, and allegations of financial crimes and money laundering 7. The Vatican is reportedly preparing to send information to U.S. financial authorities regarding alleged misuse of tax exemptions and the transfer of funds to holding companies in the United States 7. Cardinal Parolin had previously noted that the new American administration's approach was "very different" from what the Vatican was accustomed to, advocating for a multilateral approach to international relations 3.
The Church views collaboration with secular states as a necessity for the common good, while maintaining its distinct spiritual mission . This collaboration is guided by principles of mutual respect, recognition of each other's distinct roles, and a shared commitment to serving humanity .
The Catholic Church distinguishes between the spiritual and temporal orders, each having its own sphere of authority . The Church's domain is primarily the salvation of souls and the worship of God, while the State is concerned with the civil and political order . Despite this distinction, the Church emphasizes the need for harmony and cooperation between the two powers . This harmonious relationship is compared to the union of body and soul, where each complements the other .
The Church identifies several areas where collaboration with secular states is beneficial. These include:
Despite the emphasis on cooperation, the Church recognizes that disagreements and conflicts may arise . These can stem from differing views on specific policies or issues, such as immigration . The Church advocates for a multilateral approach to international relations and may sometimes find itself at odds with certain political ideologies or policies . However, even in such cases, the Church seeks to maintain open dialogue and find common ground, focusing on the well-being of all people and the promotion of the common good .
The Church's approach to collaboration with secular states is rooted in the belief that both institutions have essential roles to play in building a just and flourishing society. By recognizing each other's distinct competencies and working together in areas of common concern, the Church and the State can more effectively serve the needs of individuals and communities, while upholding fundamental principles such as religious freedom and human dignity.