U.S. Vice President JD Vance arrived in Rome on April 18, 2025, for a series of significant meetings, including discussions with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and a scheduled appointment with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state. This visit comes just a day after Meloni's meeting with President Donald Trump in Washington, where the two leaders discussed the potential implications of U.S.-EU tariffs and their shared conservative values.
Meloni, who has positioned herself as a bridge between the U.S. and Europe, received high praise from Trump during their meeting, particularly for her strict immigration policies. Trump described her as “fantastic,” emphasizing their mutual commitment to conservative governance. The Italian Prime Minister has been vocal about wanting to “make the West great again,” aligning her agenda closely with Trump’s.
Vance, who is 40 and a recent convert to Catholicism, traveled to Rome with his wife, Usha Chilukuri Vance, and their three young children. The family plans to celebrate Easter at the Vatican on April 20, 2025. Vance's arrival in the Italian capital coincides with heightened security measures due to the Easter celebrations and ongoing U.S.-Iran talks scheduled for the following day.
Security in Rome has been tightened significantly, with police implementing a comprehensive plan that includes road closures, snipers stationed at key points, and no-fly zones over the city. These measures are designed to ensure the safety of both Vance and the large number of tourists expected during the holiday season. Special attention will be paid to areas around the Vatican, particularly St. Peter's Basilica, where Easter services will take place.
During his visit, Vance is expected to discuss various issues with Meloni, including the potential impact of Trump's threatened tariffs on Italy, which is the world's fourth-largest exporter and sends approximately 10 percent of its exports to the U.S. The tariffs, which Trump had previously imposed on EU exports, were suspended for 90 days but remain a point of contention.
While Vance's meetings with Meloni and Cardinal Parolin are confirmed, there was no announcement regarding a meeting with Pope Francis. The 88-year-old pontiff has recently reduced his public engagements as he recovers from a serious bout of pneumonia. Just days before his hospitalization, Francis criticized the Trump administration's immigration policies, warning that they would strip migrants of their inherent dignity. This criticism has put him at odds with Vance, who has defended the administration’s stance on immigration.
In a letter addressed to U.S. bishops, Francis appeared to respond to Vance's claims that Catholic doctrine supports such policies. This ongoing tension between the Vice President and the Pope highlights the complexities of their relationship, especially given Vance's recent conversion to Catholicism.
As Vance navigates these discussions, he will also be attending Easter events at the Vatican, including the traditional Mass. His itinerary remains largely confidential, but it is expected that he will be closely monitored throughout his stay in Rome.
Security measures have been particularly stringent around the Vatican and tourist hotspots, with law enforcement preparing for large crowds expected during the Easter holiday. Access points to St. Peter's Square will be equipped with metal detectors, and attendees will undergo thorough screenings before entering the area. The police have established a no-fly zone over the historic center of Rome to further enhance security.
Vance's visit comes at a time of heightened tensions regarding U.S. foreign policy, especially concerning Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine. Meloni has positioned herself as a strong ally of Ukraine, vocally supporting President Volodymyr Zelensky since the onset of the conflict in 2022. In contrast, Trump has expressed a more conciliatory stance towards Russia, complicating the discussions surrounding Ukraine's defense.
As the Vice President prepares for his meetings in Rome, the implications of his discussions with Meloni and Parolin will likely reverberate through both U.S. and European political landscapes. With the backdrop of Easter celebrations, the meetings will not only focus on economic and foreign policy but also on the shared values that unite these leaders in a time of global uncertainty.
In summary, JD Vance's visit to Rome is marked by significant discussions on trade, security, and immigration, set against the vibrant backdrop of Easter celebrations at the Vatican. As he engages with key figures like Meloni and Cardinal Parolin, the outcomes of these meetings could shape future U.S.-EU relations and influence the broader geopolitical climate.
