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In his newly released memoir, *Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith*, Vice President JD Vance expresses his discontent with the Vatican’s handling of migration issues during a meeting with church officials. Vance’s remarks come in the wake of a significant encounter with the late Pope Francis, which took place mere hours before the pontiff’s passing.
A Discontented Encounter
Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, recounts his meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, in April 2025. While discussing migration, Vance found the conversation to be less than satisfactory, labelling it “unsettling.” He voiced disappointment that, as a prominent Catholic leader in the United States, he found the Vatican reluctant to move beyond “trite platitudes” regarding moral guidance.
In the memoir, extracts published by *The Washington Post* reveal Vance’s frustration with the Vatican’s diplomatic approach, stating that while Parolin acknowledged the U.S. right to control its borders, the conversation lacked specificity regarding the administration’s policies. Vance noted, “The diplomats never specified what aspects of the administration’s tough immigration policies they took issue with, out of a desire to be, well, diplomatic.” This hesitance struck Vance as a missed opportunity for a more direct and impactful dialogue.
Tensions and Timing
The vice president’s meeting with Vatican officials was overshadowed by the health concerns surrounding Pope Francis, who passed away just a day later. Vance reflected on the apprehension shared by both American and Vatican diplomats regarding the potential implications if the meeting were to be cancelled. During the Good Friday Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, a priest informed Vance that the Pope had not yet decided about the meeting, which raised concerns about inadvertently snubbing the pontiff.
Ultimately, Vance received news on Easter morning that Pope Francis would indeed meet him. However, he noted that the Pope appeared “more fragile than I realised” and described the encounter as bittersweet. In a reflective phone call with his wife, Usha, Vance conveyed that Francis was in “very bad shape” but demonstrated kindness, gifting presents for their children.
A Call for Honesty
Following the Pope’s death, Vance expressed a preference for directness in addressing significant issues. He remarked, “We had different jobs, and I preferred his specific exhortations to the vagueness I had encountered during our Vatican meeting.” This sentiment underscores Vance’s desire for more substantive discussions on moral issues, particularly regarding immigration.
In a recent event, the Vice President urged Pope Francis’s successor, American-born Pope Leo XIV, to exercise caution when discussing theological matters. Vance encouraged him to focus on moral imperatives rather than convoluted theology, especially in light of the criticisms levied against the current administration’s immigration policies.
Why it Matters
Vance’s critique of the Vatican highlights a significant tension between political leaders and religious institutions, particularly regarding their roles in addressing pressing global issues like migration. His insights underline the necessity for more open and honest dialogues in faith and politics, especially in a world increasingly grappling with humanitarian crises. As Vance calls for clarity and moral fortitude, his reflections may resonate with many who seek stronger leadership from both the church and the state in navigating complex ethical landscapes.
