Vatican reveals what was said to JD Vance in awkward meeting after exchanging ‘cordial talks’

Vice President JD Vance visited Vatican City on Saturday, April 19, where he met with top Catholic officials for what the Vatican called a “cordial” but noticeably tense meeting. Vance, who converted to Catholicism as an adult, held talks with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, who handles foreign affairs.

While the tone of the meeting was polite, there were clear disagreements. The Vatican, which has often taken a cautious stance toward Donald Trump’s policies, especially around immigration and international aid, did not shy away from expressing its concerns. In particular, officials brought up global issues like war, humanitarian crises, the treatment of migrants and refugees, and the well-being of prisoners. These are all topics where the Vatican has often voiced a more compassionate or humanitarian approach than what is typically associated with the Trump administration.

Even though Vance didn’t meet with Pope Francis—who is still recovering from pneumonia—the Vatican did release a summary of what was discussed. They emphasized the importance of caring for vulnerable people and suggested that cooperation between the U.S. government and the Catholic Church should continue in a respectful and productive way.

Ahead of the meeting, Cardinal Parolin had already made his views known. He spoke to Italian media, saying the current U.S. administration’s outlook is quite different from what many European and Western countries have grown used to, hinting that it’s harder now to find common ground.

Pope Francis had also indirectly responded to Vance’s views just before falling ill. In a letter to American bishops, the Pope seemed to counter Vance’s claim that Catholic teaching supported stricter immigration policies. He reminded Catholics that Christian love isn’t about gradually expanding your care from the people closest to you outward—it’s about showing love and compassion universally, like the Good Samaritan who helped a stranger without hesitation or bias.

Despite being gently corrected by the Pope, Vance hasn’t backed down. He’s continued to defend his views and even jokingly referred to himself as a “Baby Catholic,” acknowledging that he’s still learning and growing in the faith. Still, the meeting made clear that when it comes to major issues like immigration, war, and humanitarian aid, there’s a real divide between the Vatican’s message and the actions of the current U.S. leadership.