**JD Vance Eyes Meeting with Pope Francis During Rome Visit**

JD Vance, a devout Catholic, hopes to solidify his political stance by aligning with the Pope, while also engaging with Italy's leadership on migration and more.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance's upcoming visit to Rome has garnered attention not only for his official meetings but also for his desire to meet one of the world's most recognized religious figures—Pope Francis. Scheduled to arrive on Friday, Vance aims to discuss migration policies with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, but an informal meeting with the Pope is reportedly a key focus of his trip.

Having converted to Catholicism in 2019, Vance views a potential encounter with the 88-year-old Pope as a significant moment—symbolically resonating, especially during the Easter season, which holds great importance for Catholics. Sources close to Vance suggest that such a meeting might signify a thaw in the often strained relationship between the U.S. administration and the Vatican, where disagreements over migration and moral leadership have been notable.

The weight of the meeting between Vance and the Pope would be substantial, as expressed by Father Roberto Regoli of the Pontifical Gregorian University, highlighting both figures' influence within the Catholic community. However, the White House and the Vatican have yet to confirm any arrangements, with the Pope's recent health issues leaving the possibility uncertain.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the potential meeting, Vance is slated to meet with Meloni, who shares similar populist views and concerns over migration with the U.S. administration. Political analysts see this meeting as an opportunity for Vance to cultivate alliances in Europe, as Meloni has positioned herself as a mediator between American and European ideologies on pivotal issues.

This visit marks Vance’s first trip to Europe since his pointed criticisms of European leaders at the Munich Security Conference in February. His remarks on free speech and national identity underscore a continuing friction between his administration and European leaders, extending to Catholic figures as well, particularly surrounding immigration policies that have incited backlash from the Catholic Church.

Vance’s late-in-life conversion to Catholicism came after grappling with issues in society that he explored in his memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy.” His journey within the Church is both personal and political, seeking a framework for understanding societal complexities. Should he successfully meet with Pope Francis, it could not only enhance his reputation but also contrast his approach with the Pope’s more compassionate perspective on immigration, thereby creating an intriguing dialogue between the two figures.

As Vance prepares for a potentially impactful visit, all eyes are on whether he will achieve the symbolic victory of standing alongside the Pope, a move that could redefine his political narrative amidst ongoing debates on morality and governance.