ROME (AP) – U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni in Rome on Friday for continued discussions on tariffs. Vance's visit coincided with the observance of Good Friday, during which he attended services at the Vatican, raising speculation about a potential meeting with Pope Francis over the Easter weekend.
As Vance arrived at Chigi Palace, the premier’s office, Meloni warmly remarked, “I’ve been missing you,” a light-hearted comment accentuating their recent meetings. Vance had just met with Meloni a day prior in the Oval Office, where former President Trump praised her efforts in tightening immigration controls. However, he maintained a firm stance on tariff strategies that have stirred tensions with the European Union and heightened recession fears. A joint statement released by the White House and Meloni’s office indicated Trump’s intention to visit Italy soon.
Following the diplomatic discussions, Vance and his family attended Good Friday services at St. Peter’s Basilica. Later, he was scheduled to meet with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state. Although no formal meeting with Pope Francis was confirmed, the pontiff’s absence from the solemn Good Friday service and the Easter events raises questions about his health, particularly after recovering from a serious bout of pneumonia. Although he has recently held a meeting with King Charles III, it remains uncertain if he will meet with Vance, especially given their past disagreements concerning immigration policies.
Vance, who has previously criticized Pope Francis on social media, expressed more recent sentiments of support for the pope’s recovery. The two have had notable tensions, particularly regarding migration; while Francis advocates for humanitarian treatment of migrants, Vance has defended an America-first migration policy. This included his reference to “ordo amoris,” a concept from Catholic theology which he argues supports prioritizing care starting with family and extending outward, a view Francis has publicly challenged. In a letter to U.S. bishops, Francis emphasized that true Christian love promotes fraternity and inclusiveness without exceptions, countering Vance’s interpretation.
On Friday, Vance expressed gratitude for his duties, particularly as they brought him to Rome on such an important day for Christians worldwide. Good Friday commemorates Christ's crucifixion, marked by observances at the Vatican, including services in Latin and a nighttime procession at the Colosseum.
In the larger context of U.S.-Italy relations, Meloni has sought to position herself as a bridge between the Trump administration and Europe. She was notably the only EU leader present at Trump’s inauguration. Meloni, aligning ideologically with Trump on immigration and conservative values, faces challenges due to divergent positions on supporting Ukraine, particularly as Vance discussed developments in Russia-Ukraine negotiations during their talks. The backdrop of trade tensions continues, compounded by Trump’s recent tariff adjustments amid concerns over the economic impacts.
Despite the complexities of their relationship, Vance assured Meloni of the ongoing friendship between the U.S. and Italy, underscoring ongoing discussions about tariffs and potential trade agreements. As both Vance and Meloni navigate their diplomatic roles, future collaboration remains critical amidst the fluctuating political landscape in Europe and the U.S.
