The Catholic practice also took part in Good Friday services at St. Peter’s Cathedral.
Vice President JD Vance appeared on Sunday in Rome on April 18, continuing bilateral debate with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, kicking off a diplomatic trip to both Italy and Vatican cities.
“There are some important issues to discuss today,” Vance said before the meeting. “I would like to update the Prime Minister about Russia, Ukraine and some of the things that have happened even in the last 24 hours. Of course, I think there are some interesting things to report on personally.”
Economics and trade have continued since Meloni’s visit to the White House on April 17th. Leaders work to ensure fair and mutual trade transactions between Italy and the entire European Union. The meeting included Italian vice ministers Matteo Salvini and Antonio Tajani.
However, Vance also uses his trip to highlight the cultural and religious connections between the United States and Italy.
Catholic practice was attended Good Friday service at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Vatican City, along with his wife and three children.
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In her opening remarks before the bilateral meeting, Meloni said she was proud that her second family will spend Easter in Rome.
Vance was scheduled to meet with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, this weekend, but no meeting with Pope Francis was announced. Vatican officials confirmed the Pope’s participation in Holy Week’s public and celebrations earlier this year for a continued recovery from a deadly respiratory infection.
Vance’s participation in Holy Week, at the heart of the Catholic world, comes when the Trump administration promises to recognize Holy Week.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio sent his own separate statement on April 18, in part saying, “We are united in prayer for many Christians who cannot celebrate Holy Week and Easter without fear of persecution.”
