In brief
In a trip to Rome, Vice President JD Vance is not only set to engage with Italy’s Prime Minister but also hopes to catch a moment with Pope Francis. Converted to Catholicism in 2019, Vance sees this potential meeting as highly symbolic, especially around Easter. This encounter could reflect a thaw in strained relations between the Vatican and the U.S., particularly over migration issues that have caused friction. While the Pope's health could impact the meeting's likelihood, the Vice President's scheduled talks with PM Giorgia Meloni signify his ambitions in Europe. Vance's visit also follows a controversial speech criticizing European leaders on free speech and immigration, potentially further complicating his image in the Catholic community.
