Vice President JD Vance will travel to Rome during the Easter holiday. He is scheduled to meet with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin. The agenda of the meeting will likely include international relations and religious affairs. Vance will also meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The trip to Italy and India will last from April 18th to April 24th.
15 days ago
Vice President JD Vance will travel to Italy and India from April 18-24 1. The trip includes a meeting with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome 1. Vance will also visit India to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with stops in New Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra 1.
Vance's itinerary includes a meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State 1 3. He is also scheduled to meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni 1 3. It remains uncertain whether Vance will meet with Pope Francis, who is recovering from a recent illness 1 3.
During his visits to both Italy and India, Vance intends to discuss shared economic and geopolitical priorities with government leaders 1 3.
Vance, a convert to Catholicism, has previously criticized European governments for a lack of free speech and religious freedom 1 3. After President Trump's reelection, Cardinal Parolin expressed hope that Trump would overcome polarization and be a force for peace 1 3. The Vatican and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops previously criticized the Trump administration's immigration policies 1 3. Vance defended these policies using the concept of "ordo amoris," prioritizing compassion for fellow citizens 1 3. Pope Francis responded by emphasizing the "good Samaritan" parable and the importance of fraternity open to all 1 3.
The Catholic Church addresses its role in secular governance through its teachings, emphasizing a balance between spiritual mission and engagement with the temporal world . The Church's engagement is rooted in promoting human dignity, the common good, and upholding moral principles within society .
The Church is not aligned with any political community or system . The Church respects the autonomy of civil institutions and authorities . The Church does not seek involvement in the government of the temporal order . Instead, the Church is dedicated to the salvation of humanity, focusing on the whole person .
The Church encourages initiatives that serve human dignity and integral progress . The Church contributes to strengthening peace and fostering brotherly relations among individuals and peoples . The Church promotes values such as justice, peace, and coexistence in human dignity . The Church advocates for the rights of individuals and peoples .
The laity have a specific role in applying Gospel values to temporal realities . The Church supports the commitment of states to promote the well-being of people and nations . The Church can work to create close bonds between different nations and communities . The Church offers guidance and spiritual strength, recognizing that pastors may not always have ready answers to every problem .
The Catholic Church's role in secular governance is primarily one of promoting moral principles, human dignity, and the common good, while respecting the autonomy of secular authorities. The Church seeks to contribute to the well-being of society by offering its teachings and values, encouraging the active participation of the laity, and advocating for justice and peace . The Church is motivated by its religious mission and does not seek political power or control .