US VP Vance discusses thorny issue of migration with Vatican
US Vice President JD Vance has met with the Vatican's top diplomats, discussing the politically fraught issue of migration months after Pope Francis rebuked the new US administration's hardline immigration stance.
Vance, a Catholic convert, held what the Vatican described as 'cordial talks' with Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin – the Holy See's second highest official after the pope – and Paul Richard Gallagher, the secretary for relations with states.
'There was an exchange of opinions on the international situation, especially regarding countries affected by war, political tensions and difficult humanitarian situations, with particular attention to migrants, refugees, and prisoners,' the Vatican said in a statement.
The two sides also stressed 'the common commitment to protect the right to freedom of religion and conscience', the Vatican said.
In February, Pope Francis angered the White House after writing a letter to US bishops in which he condemned Trump's plan to deport migrants en masse, describing it as a 'major crisis'.
Trump's border tsar told Francis to 'stick to' religion.
Vance had been hoping to meet with the 88-year-old Francis, who is recuperating after battling life-threatening pneumonia and spending nearly 40 days in hospital.
The Vatican made no mention of any such meeting with the pontiff, who has resumed some official duties, and Vance's entourage has not commented on the remainder of his programme in Rome.
Last year, Francis also made a rare foray into the US election season to call harsh anti-migrant attitudes 'madness' and criticise right-wing US Catholic figures for overly conservative stances.
But following Saturday's meeting, the Vatican did acknowledge the US Catholic Church's 'valuable service to the most vulnerable people'.
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South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa: 'The election of Pope Leo XIV is a profound moment for the Catholic Church as well as the global community who followed this solemn event with hopeful anticipation. May the ceremonial white smoke that signalled the consensus of the Conclave prevail over the dark plumes of military bombardments affecting various regions of the world today. Pope Leo XIV's early emphasis on peace is a call that resonates with most of humanity and is one that honours the legacy of the late Pope Francis. South Africa wishes Pope Leo XIV a blessed and transformative papacy that will strengthen faith, unity and social solidarity in the world.' Spain Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez: 'Congratulations to the whole Catholic Church on the election of the new Pope Leo XIV. May his pontificate contribute to strengthening dialogue and the defense of human rights in a world in need of hope and unity.' 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