On April 18, 2025, U.S. Vice President JD Vance arrived in Rome, Italy, for a significant diplomatic visit, marking a key moment in U.S.-Italy relations. His agenda included a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who had just returned from a high-profile visit to the White House, where she met with President Donald Trump the day before.
Vance's arrival at Ciampino Airport was met with tight security, reflecting the importance of his visit. He was accompanied by his wife, Usha, and their three children, and greeted by American and Italian officials including Irene Castagnoli, a diplomat from the Italian Foreign Ministry, and Shawn Crowley, the Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Italy. The Vice President expressed his enthusiasm for being in Rome, stating, "This is a place that was built by people who loved humanity and loved God. The streets, the buildings, the beautiful scenery truly elevate the human spirit."
Vance spent approximately two hours at Palazzo Chigi, where he met with Meloni and later joined her for a working lunch alongside Deputy Prime Ministers Matteo Salvini and Antonio Tajani. During their discussions, Vance emphasized the ongoing trade negotiations between the U.S., Italy, and the European Union, stating, "We are conducting important trade negotiations not only between Italy and the United States but with the entire European Union. We talked a lot about this yesterday, and we will continue these conversations today."
The Vice President also expressed optimism regarding the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, which have been ongoing for over three years. He noted, "We have a sense of positivity and optimism that we can hope to bring an end to this brutal war." This sentiment aligns with a joint statement released by the White House, which underscored the U.S. and Italy's commitment to ending the conflict in Ukraine and supporting Trump's mediation efforts.
In a lighter moment, Meloni humorously remarked on her long-standing relationship with Vance, saying, "I’ve been missing you," as she welcomed him to Palazzo Chigi. She reiterated Italy's role as a vital partner for the U.S. in Europe and the Mediterranean, expressing pride in their privileged relationship.
Following their meeting, Meloni had a phone conversation with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, to discuss the outcomes of her visit to Washington and the implications for U.S.-EU relations.
Earlier in the day, Vance participated in the Good Friday rites at St. Peter's Basilica, presided over by Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti. This event highlighted the cultural and religious significance of his visit, particularly as Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, expressed a desire to attend Mass at the Basilica.
Security measures in Rome were heightened due to Vance's visit, with road closures and traffic restrictions implemented across the city. Areas around Palazzo Chigi and the U.S. Embassy were particularly affected, with public transport services also facing delays and diversions.
In addition to his discussions with Meloni, Vance is scheduled to meet with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin on April 19, 2025, before departing for India. Speculation surrounds a potential meeting with Pope Francis, although this remains unofficial.
The backdrop of Vance's visit includes ongoing trade discussions initiated by Meloni's meeting with Trump, where tariffs were a central topic. Trump expressed confidence in reaching an agreement on tariffs with the EU, stating he was "100% sure" of a positive outcome.
Criticism arose from Italian opposition leader Matteo Renzi, who remarked that Meloni's recent trip to the U.S. resulted in no significant gains, labeling it as ending "zero to zero." He expressed disappointment that while no negative outcomes occurred, no tangible results were achieved either.
As Vance concluded his visit, he took to social media to reflect on his time in Rome, describing his meeting with Meloni as "fantastic" and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to be in such a beautiful city during Holy Week. He stated, "I am thankful every day for this job, especially today when my official duties brought me to Rome on Good Friday."
The discussions during Vance's visit are expected to lay the groundwork for future cooperation between the U.S. and Italy, with both leaders aiming to strengthen ties amid a complex geopolitical landscape.
