VATICAN CITY — In a brief yet symbolic Easter Sunday meeting, U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Pope Francis exchanged warm greetings despite their past public disagreements over U.S. immigration policy.

The two met at the Domus Santa Marta, the Vatican guesthouse where the Pope resides, as Francis continues recovering from a serious bout of pneumonia. Though he delegated Easter Mass to another cardinal due to his health, the 88-year-old pontiff still made time for a personal moment with Vance.

Francis offered Vance three large chocolate Easter eggs — one for each of his children, who weren’t present — along with a Vatican necktie and rosary beads.

“I know you have not been feeling great, but it’s good to see you in better health,” Vance told the Pope. “Thank you for seeing me.”

The vice president’s motorcade quietly entered Vatican City through a side gate while the Mass was underway in St. Peter’s Square. The meeting lasted just a few minutes, according to the Vatican, and was described as an exchange of Easter greetings.

Vance’s office later shared that the vice president expressed gratitude for the meeting and the Pope’s hospitality toward his family.

“I pray for you every day,” Vance told Francis as he departed. “God bless you.”

After leaving the Vatican, Vance rejoined his family to attend Easter Mass at St. Paul Outside the Walls, one of Rome’s four major basilicas. There, they visited the traditional tomb of the apostle Paul.

The Easter meeting comes after months of tension between Vance and Pope Francis over immigration. Vance, a Catholic convert since 2019, is a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies — including plans for mass deportations.

Pope Francis, meanwhile, has long made compassion for migrants a pillar of his papacy. Just before his recent hospitalization, Francis strongly criticized the deportation agenda, arguing that such actions strip migrants of their dignity.

He even addressed U.S. bishops directly in a letter that appeared to counter Vance’s previous defense of the policy using Catholic doctrine.

Vance, for his part, has acknowledged the Pope’s disapproval but says he stands by his beliefs. Speaking at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington back in February, Vance admitted he’s still growing in the faith.

“There are things about the faith that I don’t know,” he said, calling himself a “baby Catholic.”

The day before his Easter audience with Francis, Vance met privately with two of the Vatican’s top diplomats — Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Holy See’s foreign minister.

According to Vance’s office, the discussions touched on shared Catholic values, the condition of persecuted Christian communities around the world, and Trump’s stance on global peace efforts.

The Vatican’s summary acknowledged a broader “exchange of opinions,” including on migration and ongoing conflicts — likely referring to Ukraine and Gaza.

Though the Vatican has historically remained diplomatically neutral, it has taken a cautious approach toward the Trump administration, expressing concern over migrant policies and international aid cuts while continuing to promote peaceful conflict resolutions.

Source: AP News – Vance meets Pope Francis on Easter Sunday after tangle over migration, gets chocolate eggs for kids

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VATICAN CITY – Easter this year is looking very different at the Vatican. As millions of Catholics around the world commemorate the most sacred week of the Christian calendar, Pope Francis is quietly recovering from a severe bout of pneumonia that nearly cost him his life.

Instead of leading the many solemn rituals and public liturgies of Holy Week, the 87-year-old pontiff has delegated much of the responsibility to senior cardinals. His doctors have advised a strict two-month recovery period, and Francis—now a month in—has been forced to ease back on public appearances and speaking engagements due to lingering issues with his voice.

Still, the pope’s resolve to remain visible during this holy season is unwavering. On Saturday, the Vatican confirmed that Francis hopes to deliver his traditional Urbi et Orbi (To the City and the World) Easter blessing from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Even as he rests and undergoes daily physiotherapy at the Casa Santa Marta, Francis hasn’t stayed completely out of sight. On Holy Thursday, he made a surprise visit to Rome’s Regina Coeli prison—a gesture of solidarity with inmates he’s visited in years past. While he couldn’t perform his usual foot-washing ceremony, he offered heartfelt words:

“This year I cannot do it, but I can and want to be close to you. I pray for you and your families,” the pope told prisoners.

That moment reflects a hallmark of Francis’ papacy: humility and personal connection, especially with society’s most vulnerable.

While cardinals have stepped in to lead most of the public liturgies—including the Good Friday “Way of the Cross” at Rome’s Colosseum—Francis hasn’t stepped away entirely. He personally prepared the meditations for the service, according to a Vatican spokesperson.

Even in recovery, the pope continues to quietly guide the spiritual direction of the Church’s most meaningful observances.

After spending 38 days in the hospital, Francis is taking his health seriously. But that hasn’t stopped him from making unexpected appearances—sometimes wearing simple, casual clothing rather than the traditional white papal garments. On several occasions, he’s surprised worshippers at St. Peter’s Basilica after Mass.

While his energy is limited, the Vatican has remained on “high alert” for any last-minute changes or public moments, especially over Easter weekend.

Adding a layer of political nuance to the Easter story, U.S. Vice President JD Vance—an outspoken Catholic convert—was in Rome this weekend, attending Good Friday services and meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State.

The visit comes amid longstanding tensions between Vance’s political allies and the pope, particularly regarding immigration policy. Just before his hospitalization, Francis publicly criticized the Trump administration’s approach to migrants, calling for a more inclusive “order of love” based on the parable of the Good Samaritan.

Still, the Vatican continues to welcome dialogue, even with leaders they disagree with—emphasizing the Church’s tradition of diplomacy and bridge-building.

As Catholics worldwide turn their hearts to the resurrection of Christ, many will also be looking to St. Peter’s Square, hoping for even a brief appearance from Pope Francis on the iconic balcony.

It may not be the full Easter schedule he’s known for, but his presence—however limited—will serve as a powerful symbol of perseverance, humility, and faith in the face of adversity.

“When another government enters, you never know what opportunities there will be,” one Vatican source remarked—underscoring both the uncertainty and hope tied to Francis’ ongoing role on the global stage.

Source: CNN – Pope Francis’ Easter is going to look a little different this year. Here’s how

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