Pope Francis met with Vice President JD Vance for “a few minutes” on Easter Sunday, the Vatican said.
Why it matters: The previously unannounced meeting came one day after the Vatican said Vance had “an exchange of opinions” during a meeting with its top officials on matters including “countries affected by war, political tensions and difficult humanitarian situations,” in particular immigration and prisoners.
- The pope has publicly criticized the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies and appeared to take issue with Vance citing Catholic doctrine in defending the action.
The big picture: The brief meeting comes as the 88-year-old leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Roman Catholics recovers from double pneumonia, which saw him hospitalized for over five weeks after being admitted with bronchitis symptoms.
Details: “I know you have not been feeling great but it’s good to see you in better health,” said Vance, who was baptized as a Catholic in 2019, per video of the meeting in Vatican City.
- The pope thanked Vance for his visit and Vance replied: “Of course, thank you for seeing me.”
- Vance told Francis he prayed for him “every day” and wished him Happy Easter before leaving.
- An aide to the pontiff gave Vance gifts that included chocolate Easter eggs for his three children, a Vatican tie and rosaries.
Flashback: Vance tells Catholic bishops to “look in the mirror” over immigration policy concerns
