Tensions Over Immigration Policy Mark Vice President Vance's Vatican Visit

J.D. Vance, a practicing Catholic, clashed with Pope Francis due to differing views on the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Recently, Vance traveled to Italy with his family for a weekend visit and engaged in formal discussions with senior Vatican officials. Their meeting occurred just before Pope Francis delivered the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, a solemn benediction offered to the city of Rome and the world from St. Peter’s Square after the Easter mass led by Cardinal Angelo Comastri.

During his visit, Vice President Vance met with Vatican officials for in-depth conversations on Saturday. Notably absent from these talks was Pope Francis himself. The Vatican, including the Pope, has been critical of several policies spearheaded by former President Donald Trump, particularly those targeting immigrant deportations and reducing foreign aid and domestic social programs. Pope Francis has famously condemned the immigration actions as a “disgrace.”

Since converting to Catholicism in 2019, Vance has defended his stance using medieval Catholic doctrine. However, the Pope publicly disagreed with this interpretation. In an unanticipated move, the Pope addressed an open letter to U.S. Catholic bishops, refuting Vance’s theological justification of the policies and labeling Trump’s immigration strategy a “major crisis” for America.