VATICAN CITY (AP) U.S. Vice President JD Vance had a brief but notable meeting with Pope Francis on Easter Sunday, a significant occasion marked by their ongoing discussions over migration policies. The meeting was especially poignant considering the Pope's recent health struggles; he is recovering from a serious bout of pneumonia that nearly took his life.

The encounter took place in one of the reception rooms of the Vatican hotel, known as the Domus Santa Marta, where the 88-year-old pontiff resides. During the visit, Pope Francis kindly presented Vance with three large chocolate Easter eggs, which were intended for the Vice President's three young children who were not present. Additionally, he gifted Vance a Vatican-themed tie and rosaries, gestures emblematic of the Pope's warmth and hospitality.

I know you have not been feeling great but it's good to see you in better health, Vance said to the Pope during their meeting. This interaction highlighted the human side of political figures, where greetings and well-wishes were interwoven with the backdrop of more serious discussions surrounding immigration policies.

As Vances motorcade entered Vatican City through a less conspicuous side entrance, a significant event was occurring just outside: Easter Mass was being celebrated in St. Peters Square. In a display of humility and perhaps recognizing his health constraints, Pope Francis had delegated this important Mass celebration to another cardinal. The Vatican later confirmed that the meeting between Vance and Francis lasted for just a few minutes, focusing primarily on their Easter greetings.

In a statement, Vances office conveyed his appreciation for the opportunity to meet with the Pope on such a significant day, noting that he expressed gratitude for the Vatican's hospitality toward his family. I pray for you every day, Vance stated as he bid farewell to the pontiff, adding a layer of personal sentiment to their exchange. After his encounter with the Pope, Vance joined his family for Easter Mass at St. Paul Outside the Walls, one of Rome's revered pontifical basilicas. This basilica is notable for housing the tomb of St. Paul the Apostle, further enriching the family's Easter experience.

It is worth noting that Vice President Vance, who embraced Catholicism in 2019, has found himself at odds with Pope Francis, particularly over the Trump administration's immigration policies. The Pope has consistently emphasized the need to protect migrants and uphold their dignity, principles that are central to his papacy. Just days before his hospitalization in February, Pope Francis openly criticized the deportation plans set forth by the Trump administration, arguing that such actions would strip migrants of their basic dignity.

In a pointed letter to U.S. bishops, the Pope appeared to respond directly to Vance's claims that Catholic doctrine could justify the administration's stringent immigration measures. Vance has publicly acknowledged the Pope's criticisms but remains steadfast in his defense of his viewpoints. At the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington on February 28, Vance referred to himself as a baby Catholic and admitted that there are aspects of the faith he has yet to fully grasp.

Before his meeting with the Pope, Vance also met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's secretary of state, and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, its foreign minister. According to Vance's office, this meeting provided a platform to discuss shared religious beliefs, the state of Catholicism in the United States, and the arduous plight faced by persecuted Christian communities globally. The Vatican reported an exchange of opinions during this meeting, particularly in relation to migrants, refugees, and current global conflicts.

Maintaining its tradition of diplomatic neutrality, the Holy See has approached the Trump administration with caution, striving for constructive relations. It has previously expressed alarm over the administration's harsh crackdown on migrants and reductions in international aid while advocating for peaceful resolutions to ongoing conflicts, such as those in Ukraine and Gaza.

In conclusion, while the Easter meeting between Vice President Vance and Pope Francis was brief, it encapsulated the complex interplay between faith and politics, particularly regarding the sensitive issue of migration, which continues to be a point of contention in the United States.