Vice President JD Vance discusses global humanitarian crises with Cardinal Parolin during his visit to the Vatican in Rome

While most families were celebrating Easter weekend at home, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance was on an international trip that brought him to one of the most symbolic places of faith in the world — the Vatican.

Amid a packed itinerary, he made time on Holy Saturday morning to sit down with top Vatican leaders and talk about some of the world’s most urgent challenges.

Faith and Diplomacy on the Agenda

Vance met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, inside the Secretariat of State, along with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, who oversees the Holy See’s foreign relations.

According to the Vatican’s official press office, the conversation was warm and constructive, touching on a range of serious global issues.

The leaders expressed mutual appreciation for the strong relationship between the United States and the Holy See.

They highlighted a shared dedication to defending fundamental human rights — especially the freedom of religion and conscience — which remains a key focus for both sides.

Spotlight on Global Crises and the Most Vulnerable

Beyond diplomatic pleasantries, the talks dove into some of the world’s more painful realities.

Vance and his Vatican counterparts discussed conflicts across the globe, areas suffering under political instability, and ongoing humanitarian crises.

They paid particular attention to the plight of migrants, refugees, and those behind bars — groups that often bear the brunt of international upheaval.

The Vatican emphasized the critical role the Catholic Church plays in supporting these communities, especially in the United States, where its outreach to the vulnerable continues to be a major point of cooperation with the government.

A Shared Commitment to Service

Both sides came away from the meeting hopeful about the future.

There was a clear sense of determination to continue working together — the U.S. administration and the Catholic Church — in advocating for the world’s most at-risk populations.

The Vatican praised the Church’s work on the ground and voiced optimism about keeping that collaborative spirit alive.

Vance Attends Good Friday Service at St. Peter’s

As part of his time in Rome, Vice President Vance and his family also joined worshippers at St. Peter’s Basilica on Good Friday.

They attended the solemn Liturgy for the Lord’s Passion — one of the most spiritually significant moments in the Catholic calendar.

That experience added a personal, reflective layer to the political nature of his visit, as the vice president stood quietly among faithful observers in one of the holiest spaces in the world.

A Larger Trip with Global Goals

Rome was just one stop on Vance’s broader diplomatic tour. After Italy, he’s expected to continue on to India.

His travels come at a delicate time for U.S.–Vatican relations, especially in light of ongoing debates surrounding President Donald Trump’s immigration policies — particularly the administration’s efforts to deport large numbers of undocumented immigrants.

While tensions around immigration remain, Vance’s respectful engagement with the Vatican suggests a desire to find common ground — especially on issues of compassion, service, and human dignity.