The Vatican confirmed good relations with the United States, but pointed to a “exchange of opinions” over global conflict and migration.
US Vice President JD Vance met with top Vatican diplomats to discuss the politically challenging 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 a “heart-hearted discussion” between Secretary of State Pietro Parolin (the second-highest official after the Pope) and the Secretary of State, as well as Paul Richard Gallagher, secretary of state relations.
“There was an exchange of opinions on the international situation, with particular attention to migrants, refugees and prisoners, particularly regarding countries affected by war, political tensions and difficult humanitarian circumstances,” the Vatican said in a statement.
Both sides also emphasized “a common commitment to protecting the right to freedom of religion and conscience,” the Vatican said.
In February, Pope Francis angered the White House after writing a letter to our bishops.
Trump’s border emperor told Francis to “stick” to religion.
Vance wanted to meet 88-year-old Francis, who is recovering after nearly 40 days in the hospital, fighting life-threatening pneumonia.
The Vatican has not mentioned such meetings with the Pope, who has resumed some official duties, and Vance’s aides have not commented on the rest of his programme in Rome.
Last year, Francis also made a rare advance during the US election season, calling the harsh anti-immigrant attitude “madness” and criticising right-wing American Catholic figures for an overly conservative attitude.
However, after Saturday’s meeting, the Vatican acknowledged the American Catholic Church’s “valuable service to the most vulnerable.”
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