US Vice President JD Vance arrived in Rome on Friday, April 18, 2025, for a significant diplomatic visit that comes amid rising tensions over trade and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Vance’s itinerary includes talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and a potential meeting with Pope Francis, as well as participation in the second round of indirect nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran.
Vance touched down at Ciampino Airport at 7:44 AM local time, accompanied by his wife, Second Lady Usha Vance, and their three young children. The family plans to celebrate Easter at the Vatican on Sunday, April 20, 2025. Vance, who converted to Catholicism in his mid-30s, is expected to attend Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.
His visit coincides with Meloni's recent meetings with President Donald Trump in Washington, where they discussed a potential US-EU tariffs deal. This meeting was crucial as Trump had imposed a 20 percent tariff on EU exports, a move that has raised concerns in Italy, the world’s fourth-largest exporter, which sends around 10 percent of its exports to the United States. Meloni has positioned herself as a key figure in de-escalating the trade tensions, stating her aim is to "make the West great again" and emphasizing their shared conservative values.
During their meeting, Vance and Meloni are scheduled to discuss the tariffs and their implications for Italy. Meloni was the first European leader to meet Trump since he announced the tariffs, which he has since suspended for 90 days. The two leaders struck a warm tone during their discussions, with Trump referring to Meloni as "fantastic" and expressing confidence in reaching an eventual trade deal, though he made it clear he was "in no rush" to finalize an agreement.
While trade is a primary focus of Vance's visit, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine also looms large. Meloni has been a staunch ally of Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelensky since Russia's invasion in 2022, recently condemning Moscow's attacks as "horrible and vile." In contrast, Trump has adopted a more ambivalent stance towards Zelensky, stating, "I don't hold Zelensky responsible but I'm not exactly thrilled with the fact that that war started," and expressing that he is "not a big fan" of the Ukrainian leader.
In addition to his discussions with Meloni, Vance is expected to meet with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State, who is the second-highest official at the Holy See after the pope. This meeting may explore the Vatican’s role in international diplomacy, particularly concerning the humanitarian aspects of the Ukraine conflict.
Security measures have been heightened in Rome during Vance’s visit, especially with the Via Crucis event scheduled for Good Friday at the Colosseum. Traffic closures, parking restrictions, and diversions of public transport have been implemented to ensure safety during this busy period in the city. The Police Headquarters has requested the closure of the Colosseum stop on Metro B and established a security area around the Colosseum and nearby archaeological sites.
Access to the event area will be restricted, with security checks in place at various entry points. Public transport may also experience delays and diversions due to the heightened security measures and the influx of visitors for the Easter celebrations. The Vice President's family is anticipated to stay at the US ambassador's residence in Villa Taverna in the Parioli neighborhood during their time in Rome.
On Saturday, April 19, 2025, the second round of indirect talks between the United States and Iran regarding Tehran's nuclear program will take place in Rome. It remains unclear whether Vance will participate directly in these discussions. However, the talks are crucial as they follow the first indirect negotiations held in Muscat, Oman, earlier this month. The outcome of these discussions could have significant implications for regional stability and US foreign policy.
Following his visit to Italy, Vance is scheduled to travel to India, where tariffs and trade relations will likely be a major topic of discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Vance's visit underscores the complex interplay of international relations that the Biden administration faces, particularly regarding trade and security in Europe and beyond.
As Vance engages with Meloni and other leaders, his visit illustrates the ongoing efforts to navigate the challenges of trans-Atlantic relations amidst a backdrop of economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions. The outcomes of these meetings may shape the future of US-Italy relations and influence broader discussions within the European Union regarding trade and security.
