U.S. Vice President JD Vance to Visit Italy, Possible Meeting with Pope Francis

U.S. Vice President JD Vance to Visit Italy, Possible Meeting with Pope Francis

Rome, April 1, 2025 – U.S. Vice President JD Vance is planning a visit to Italy next month, which will coincide with the upcoming Easter holiday. A diplomatic source has indicated that the exact dates for the visit have not yet been finalized, but it is expected to take place between April 18 and 20. This visit reflects the strength of U.S.-Italy relations, especially as Italy remains one of the few countries in Europe that supported former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recently expressed support for Vance’s sharp criticisms of European leaders, which he made in a speech in Germany in February. Meloni was the only European leader to attend Trump’s inauguration and has not criticized him despite threats of financial tariffs and withdrawal from the Ukraine war in Europe.

Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini spoke with Vance on the phone two weeks ago and posted on Instagram, stating that the conversation reaffirmed "the strong friendship and cooperation between the two countries."

During Vance’s visit to Rome, the likelihood of a meeting with Pope Francis is low, as the Pope is still recovering from double pneumonia and is not receiving guests.

Source: Reuters