United States Vice President JD Vance embarked on a significant diplomatic tour, beginning in Rome where he met with Pope Francis and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The visit, which occurred during Holy Week, also included meetings with senior Church officials. "It was an honor to meet with Pope Francis, Prime Minister Meloni, and Church officials in Italy this weekend. Visiting Rome with my family during Holy Week was an incredible experience," Vance wrote on X.

Tragically, the visit came just before the passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88. Vance offered heartfelt condolences in a message to “the millions of Christians all over the world,” expressing his gratitude for their final meeting. “I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful. May God rest his soul,” Vance shared.

From Italy, Vice President Vance traveled to New Delhi, India, for a four-day visit with his family. According to the White House, Vance is scheduled to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the status of bilateral ties and work toward a trade agreement. The dialogue is set to take place within the framework of U.S. President Donald Trump’s 90-day pause on tariffs.

Earlier this month, President Trump had announced a 26% reciprocal tariff on Indian imports. However, he later reduced the duty to 10% temporarily to facilitate trade discussions. India is among the top countries prioritized by Washington for advancing a bilateral trade deal, and Vance’s visit is seen as a critical step in progressing these goals.

The Vice President’s meetings with religious and political leaders in both Rome and New Delhi mark a high-profile diplomatic engagement. It reflects the administration’s focus on strengthening international partnerships while honoring global spiritual leadership. Vance’s presence at such pivotal moments—both celebratory and solemn—underscores the administration’s multifaceted global approach.