Pope Francis Meets Vice President Vance for Easter Greetings

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis met with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance on Sunday, April 20, 2025, exchanging Easter greetings. This meeting comes after a contentious dialogue regarding the Trump administration’s plans for migrant deportation.

The Pope, who is recovering from a severe bout of pneumonia, welcomed Vance into one of the Vatican hotel’s reception rooms. During their brief encounter, the 88-year-old pontiff presented three large chocolate Easter eggs for Vance’s children, who were not present. He also gifted Vance a Vatican-themed tie and rosaries.

Vance expressed gratitude for the warm reception and the thoughtful gifts intended for his family. His visit underscores the ongoing dialogue between the Vatican and U.S. officials regarding humanitarian issues.

The meeting also highlighted the Pope’s commitment to advocating for migrants amid conflicting policies from the U.S. government. The exchange of greetings on such a significant occasion as Easter reflects a continuation of discussions on international cooperation and compassion for those in need.

This private meeting is part of the Holy See’s broader efforts to engage with world leaders on pressing social issues, including migration, which remains a critical topic in international relations.

As the Easter celebrations continue, Francis reminded the world of the importance of unity and compassion, urging leaders to prioritize the well-being of vulnerable populations in their policies.