Vance conferences with Meloni in Rome prior to Easter, in the Vatican setting
US Vice President JD Vance jetted off to Rome on Good Friday for a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, marking his first trip to Europe since locking horns with the European establishment at the Munich Security Conference in February.
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The visit comes hot on the heels of Meloni's own meeting with former President Donald Trump in Washington, discussing a potential EU-US trade deal and topics of mutual interest.
Trump's threats of tariffs could send shockwaves through Italy, with approximately 10% of its exports heading stateside.
Vance and Meloni shared some warm words on the phone, with JD Vance expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to discuss trade negotiations with the European Union and updates on the ongoing Ukraine situation.
He also hinted at some breaking news in the last 24 hours, stating his optimism in bringing the brutal war in Ukraine to a close.
This statement seemed to go against more skeptical comments from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who suggested they were prepared to "move on" if a swift resolution proved impossible.
After a two-hour service at St Peter's Basilica, Vance and family were given a private tour of Castel Sant'Angelo, the fortified castle and former mausoleum of Roman Emperor Hadrian.
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Tomorrow, Vance is scheduled to meet with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the second-highest official at the Vatican. JD Vance, a convert to Catholicism, also plans to attend Easter mass in St Peter's Square on Sunday.
Meloni, the first European leader to visit Trump post-tariff threats, had a productive conversation with the former President, with both sharing conservative ideals and a desire to balance trade negotiations with geopolitical interests.
The pair notably disagreed on the topic of migration, with Vance's hardline stance on migrants triggering controversy and enforcement challenges. Despite this, JD Vance managed to secure an audience with Pope Francis's right-hand man and carry on the diplomatic dance within the confines of the Vatican.
- JD Vance and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni discussed trade negotiations with the European Union and updates on the Ukraine situation during their phone call.
- Trump's threats of tariffs could potentially impact Italy, as around 10% of its exports are sent to the United States.
- After his meeting with Meloni, Vance is scheduled to meet with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the second-highest official at the Vatican.
- Vance, a convert to Catholicism, also plans to attend Easter mass in St Peter's Square on Sunday.
- Meloni and Trump shared conservative ideals and a mutual desire to balance trade negotiations with geopolitical interests during their conversation.
- Vance's hardline stance on migrants has triggered controversy and enforcement challenges.
- Vance and his family were given a private tour of Castel Sant'Angelo, the fortified castle and former mausoleum of Roman Emperor Hadrian, following a two-hour service at St Peter's Basilica.
- Hopefully, Vance's optimism in bringing the brutal war in Ukraine to a close will be highlighted in upcoming general-news publications, and picnics across Italy may soon be filled with discussions about potential EU-US trade deals and the latest political developments.
