Meeting with Pope and protesting: Turbulent Italy visit to JD Vance
US Vice President Jd vance caused a sensation and controversy when he visited Easter in Rome.
In front of the Colosseum in Rome there were protests on Saturday because the landmark of the Italian capital was closed for the politician. From the amount of tourists who were waiting in vain for admission, according to a report by the daily newspaper « La Repubblica » Calls like « shame » to hear. Ultimately, however, the 40-year-old Vance did not appear at the Colosseum-instead, his wife Usha was led alone through the arena.
Helicopter over the Colosseum: Before the landmark in Rome, chaos occurred briefly on Saturday. Video: Ansa
The newspaper reported a 20-minute chaos on Saturday evening. A helicopter was circled all the time over the Colosseum. Some tourists then just climbed over the fences after an hour. The management of the archaeological park, to which the Colosseum belongs, justified the closure with security reasons. Anyone who had booked a visit would have received a cancellation email in good time. Vance then remained in the residence of the US message in Rome, Villa Taverna.
The U.S. Vice’s car colonne in the Vatican. Photo: AFP
Meeting with Pope shortly before his death
The deputy of US President Donald Trump had arrived in Rome on Friday. Vance, who survived the Catholic faith in 2019, also visited the Vatican. On the morning of Easter Sunday he met the US Vice Pope Francisone day before his death. According to the Vatican, it was a short private conversation in which Easter greetings were replaced. « I know that they were not doing well, but it’s nice to see them in better health, » said Vance to the Pope. « Thank you for receiving me. »
On Easter Sunday: papal blessing for the world, chocolate eggs for children from JD vance. Video: Reuters / Vatican TV / Vatican Media
Topics such as migrants, refugees and people in prisons were also discussed. The approximately 15-minute encounter between Vance and the Pope took place in the Santa Marta guest house, where the head of the Roman Catholic Church lived from the hospital after being released. Later, Vance and his family took part in the walls at the Easter mass in the papal basilica of Sankt Paul. The US vice had already met on Saturday with number two of the Catholic Church State, Cardinal State Secretary Pietro Parolin.
The relationship between Vance and the Pope was considered tense, especially because of the immigration policy of the Trump administration. Pope Francis had described the deportation plans of the US government as « shame », while Vance had used medieval Catholic teachings to justify this policy. The Pope refuted these theological arguments in one Open letter to the US bishops in February.
Less than 24 hours before his death, the Pope donated the important blessing « Urbi et Orbi » on Easter Sunday and had his highly political Easter address read out. One last time he warned dialogue and peace and reminded of war and conflicts worldwide. In the read Easter message, Francis criticized « how much contempt » migrants were sometimes shown.
JD vance, wife Usha and her children Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel during Good Friday liturgy in St. Peter’s Basilica. Photo: AFP
JD vance says Catholics sympathy
After the death of Pope Francis on Easter Monday, JD Vance expressed his sympathy worldwide. « I just experienced from the death of Pope Francis. My deep sympathy applies to the millions of Christians worldwide who loved him. I was happy to see him again yesterday, even though he was obviously very sick, » Vance wrote to X. « May God give him peace. »
US Vice President Vance has been in India on a multi-day trip since Monday. Vance and wife Usha had their three little children in Rome. Vance could also be seen how he bought gladiator equipment for the two sons. The family also went to eat ice cream. The US vice was traveling in jeans, outdoor jacket and baseball cap.
Source: dpa, KNA, Luxemburger Word, JT
