VATICAN CITY (AP) In a significant diplomatic engagement, U.S. Vice President JD Vance met on Saturday with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's second-in-command, amidst ongoing international tensions regarding migration. During this meeting, the Vatican reiterated its commitment to maintaining good relations with the United States while also expressing concerns regarding the recent U.S. approach to migrants. Notably, the discussions included an 'exchange of opinions' on various pressing international issues, particularly focusing on migrants and prisoners.

Vance, who converted to Catholicism, held discussions with both Cardinal Parolin and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican's foreign minister, in the historic Apostolic Palace. Notably absent from these meetings was Pope Francis, who has significantly reduced his official engagements as he recovers from pneumonia.

The Vice President's office reported that Vance and Parolin discussed various topics, including their shared faith, the status of Catholicism in the United States, and the dire conditions faced by persecuted Christian communities worldwide. Vance also highlighted former President Trump's dedication to restoring global peace, which has been a longstanding theme of the Trump administration's foreign policy.

The Vatican has approached the Trump administration with caution, balancing its tradition of diplomatic neutrality with an intention to foster constructive relations. The Holy See has raised alarms regarding the administration's harsh crackdown on migrants and significant cuts to international aid. At the same time, it has advocated for peaceful solutions to ongoing conflicts, particularly those in Ukraine and Gaza.

In a statement following the talks, the Vatican confirmed that the discussions were cordial and expressed satisfaction with the U.S. administration's dedication to safeguarding religious freedom and conscience. The statement pointed to a meaningful exchange of ideas regarding the current international situation, especially in countries beset by war and humanitarian crises, with a special focus on the issues surrounding migrants, refugees, and prisoners.

Interestingly, the Vatican's mention of 'serene collaboration' seemed to address Vance's earlier claims regarding the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops allegedly resettling 'illegal immigrants' for federal funding. This assertion has faced strong pushback from prominent U.S. cardinals who argue against such characterizations.

Cardinal Parolin noted in an interview with La Repubblica that the current U.S. administration's approach differs markedly from previous administrations, particularly in the West, highlighting a significant shift in policy and outlook.

As the United States seeks to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, Parolin emphasized that any peace agreement should respect Ukraine's territorial integrity and should not be forced upon the country, but rather developed through ongoing dialogue and mutual respect.

Dedicating the Easter weekend to family, Vance attended Good Friday services at St. Peters Basilica and met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Following his discussions at the Vatican, the Vance family enjoyed a private tour of the Sistine Chapel and later visited Rome's botanic garden, where one of his sons donned a popular plastic gladiator costume.

While it remains unclear where the Vance family will celebrate Easter, Pope Francis has expressed a desire to attend the traditional Easter Mass, which typically attracts thousands of worshippers to St. Peter's Square.

The relationship between Pope Francis and Vance has not been without its complexities. The Pope has publicly challenged the Trump administration's immigration strategies, particularly its plans for mass deportations, advocating for the dignity of migrants as a central tenet of his papacy. This has often resulted in tensions with more conservative factions within the U.S. Catholic Church.

Pope Francis has also shifted church doctrine regarding capital punishment, declaring it inadmissible in all cases. This change came shortly before President Biden commuted the sentences of 37 individuals on federal death row, a decision that contrasts sharply with former President Trump's vocal support for capital punishment.

Vice President Vance, who embraced Catholicism in 2019, aligns himself with a unique intellectual movement within Catholicism often labeled as 'postliberal.' This group is recognized for its conservative stances on issues such as abortion and LGBTQ+ rights, and for its vision of a counterrevolution that seeks to transform government institutions and bureaucracies from within.

Just days before his hospitalization in February, Pope Francis condemned the Trump administration's immigration policies, warning that they undermine the dignity of migrants. In a letter to U.S. bishops, he also directly addressed Vance's claims about Catholic doctrine justifying such policies.

Vance has defended the administration's immigration policies by referencing a medieval Catholic concept known as 'ordo amoris,' which he interprets as establishing a hierarchy of love and responsibility beginning with family and extending outward. However, in a letter earlier this year, Francis appeared to counter Vances interpretation, emphasizing that true Christian love reflects a fraternity open to all without exception.

While Vance has acknowledged the Pope's criticisms, he remains steadfast in his beliefs and continues to advocate for his views. At a recent National Catholic Prayer Breakfast, he referred to himself as a 'baby Catholic' and admitted that there are many aspects of the faith he is still learning about. Although he has previously criticized Pope Francis on social media, he has recently shared prayers for the Popes recovery, indicating a more conciliatory tone.

This article corrects an earlier error regarding the first name of Archbishop Gallagher.

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