U.S. Vice President JD Vance visited the Vatican, meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin to discuss international relations, religious freedom, and humanitarian crises, with a focus on migration. The visit included attending the Good Friday Liturgy at St. Peter's Basilica. Discussions also touched upon the collaboration between the U.S. and the Vatican. Vance's visit comes amid ongoing tensions, particularly regarding immigration policies. Additionally, the Vatican is seeking assistance from the U.S. regarding an international financial scandal.
9 days ago
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance visited the Vatican on April 18-19, 2025, engaging in diplomatic meetings and religious observances 9 11. The visit included attendance at the Vatican's Good Friday liturgy and a meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State 1 7. Vance's trip occurred amid existing tensions between the Trump administration and the Vatican on various policy issues 2 12.
Vance's meeting with Cardinal Parolin centered on several key areas, including international relations, religious freedom, and humanitarian concerns 1 3. Both parties expressed satisfaction with the existing bilateral relations between the Holy See and the United States 1 7. They also reiterated their shared commitment to protecting religious freedom and conscience 1 6. Discussions also encompassed global issues such as countries affected by war, political tensions, and difficult humanitarian situations, with specific attention to migrants, refugees, and prisoners 2 3.
Despite expressions of goodwill, the visit took place against a backdrop of existing tensions between the Trump administration and the Vatican 2 12. These tensions primarily stem from disagreements over immigration policies, with Pope Francis having previously criticized the administration's plans for mass deportations 2 11. Vance himself has been involved in these disagreements, particularly concerning his interpretation of the Catholic concept of "ordo amoris," which Pope Francis directly rebuked 2 6. The Trump administration's cuts to foreign aid, which have impacted programs run by Catholic Relief Services and Catholic Charities, have further strained relations 6. Cardinal Parolin has also noted that the Trump administration's approach to global problems differs significantly from the Vatican's emphasis on multilateralism and cooperation 3 6.
Vance, accompanied by his family, attended the Solemn Liturgy for the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday in St. Peter’s Basilica 1 11. Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, prefect of the Dicastery for Eastern Churches, led the service in place of Pope Francis, who is still recovering from double pneumonia 11 14. During the service, Capuchin Father Roberto Pasolini, the preacher of the papal household, delivered a homily emphasizing that love, not power, saves the world 14 15. He spoke about the importance of embracing weakness and transforming limitations into opportunities for giving 14.
Beyond the publicly stated agenda, Vance's visit may also involve discussions related to a potential request for US assistance in investigating an international financial scandal 8 10. The Vatican is reportedly preparing to send information to US financial watchdogs concerning alleged money laundering and financial fraud committed by members of the Sodalitium Christianae Vitae (SCV), a suppressed Catholic organization based in Peru 8. Allegations include the misuse of a church-state agreement to gain tax breaks and the transfer of funds to holding companies in the United States 8. The Vatican's commissioner for the liquidation of the SCV's assets has expressed confidence in the American justice system's ability to address the case 8.
The Catholic Church addresses collaboration with secular states through the lens of mutual autonomy and cooperation for the common good . The Church recognizes the distinct roles of the political community and the Church, emphasizing that they are independent of each other in their own spheres . However, both are devoted to serving the same human beings .
In summary, the Catholic Church advocates for a collaborative relationship with secular states that respects the autonomy of both entities while emphasizing their shared responsibility to serve humanity and promote the common good . This collaboration is grounded in principles of religious freedom, mutual respect, and a commitment to justice, peace, and the integral development of the human person .