‘I know you have not been feeling great, but it’s good to see you in better health,’ Vance told the pope.
Vice President JD Vance met with Pope Francis on April 20 to celebrate Easter, in one of the reception rooms at the Vatican hotel where the pope resides.
“I know you have not been feeling great, but it’s good to see you in better health,” Vance told the pope. “Thank you for seeing me.”
Francis is still recovering from a near-fatal bout of pneumonia, which included a rare respiratory infection that had many fearful for the 88-year-old pope’s ability to continue leading the Vatican.
The pope offered the U.S. vice president three large chocolate Easter eggs for his three young children, who were not in attendance.
Francis also offered Vance a Vatican tie and rosaries.
Vance had met with Vatican officials the day prior. While Easter Mass was being celebrated in St. Peter’s Square, Vance’s motorcade entered the city through a side gate as the pope delegated the mass’s celebration to another cardinal.
Francis and Vance met for a few minutes at the Domus Santa Mart to “exchange Easter greetings,” the Vatican said. Vance’s office confirmed the meeting, but did not offer further details. The vice president’s motorcade was at the Vatican for 17 minutes.
In February, Francis criticized President Donald Trump’s deportation plans in an open letter, calling it a “major crisis.”
Francis and Vance met for a few minutes at the Domus Santa Mart to “exchange Easter greetings,” the Vatican said. Vance’s office confirmed the meeting, but did not offer further details. The vice president’s motorcade was at the Vatican for 17 minutes.
In February, Francis criticized President Donald Trump’s deportation plans in an open letter, calling it a “major crisis.”
Vance and Parolin “discussed their shared religious faith, Catholicism in the United States, the plight of persecuted Christian communities around the world, and President Trump’s commitment to restoring world peace,” according to the vice president’s office.
The Vatican said its officials and Vance had an “exchange of opinions” on topics including migrants, refugees, and current global conflicts.
By Jacob Burg
