On April 18, 2025, U.S. Vice President JD Vance arrived in Rome for a significant meeting with Italy's Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, at the historic Palazzo Chigi, the official residence of the prime minister. This meeting not only marks an important diplomatic engagement but comes just ahead of Easter celebrations at the Vatican, where Vance is scheduled to attend mass on Good Friday.

Vance and Meloni share a conservative ideology that aligns closely with that of former President Donald Trump. Just a day prior to this meeting, Meloni had a productive charm offensive in Washington, aimed at negotiating a crucial trade deal regarding U.S.-EU tariffs. Trump's threatened tariffs have the potential to significantly affect Italy's economy, which is the world's fourth-largest exporter, with approximately 10 percent of its exports directed to the United States.

This trip also marks Vance's first visit to Europe since he delivered a provocative speech at the Munich Security Conference back in February. During that address, he criticized various EU member states on cultural issues and emphasized the necessity for the bloc to enhance its own security management. As he stepped out of his meeting with Meloni, Vance briefly addressed the press, expressing his anticipation for spending Easter in Italy, a country he described as built by people that love humans and love God, emphasizing the uplifting spirit that Italy embodies.

In addition to discussing the critical topic of trade negotiations with the European Union, Vance is expected to delve into the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia during his talks with Meloni. He mentioned the potential for positive developments, stating, We have some interesting things to report on, of course, in private. He expressed optimism that there may soon be a resolution to what he termed a very brutal war, highlighting the urgency and importance of the discussions taking place.

Later that day, Vance plans to attend the traditional Good Friday mass at St. Peter's Basilica, a highlight of the Easter festivities in Rome. On Saturday, he is scheduled to meet with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State, who is the second-highest official at the Holy See after Pope Francis. Vance, a 40-year-old politician who converted to Catholicism in his mid-thirties, traveled to Rome with his wife and three children, who will join him for Easter Sunday celebrations at St. Peter's.

During her recent visit to Washington, Meloni became the first European leader to meet with Trump after he imposed a 20% tariff on EU exports, a measure he has since suspended for 90 days. Their meeting fostered a warm atmosphere, with Trump referring to Meloni as fantastic during their working lunch in the Oval Office. By positioning herself as a key player who could help de-escalate Trumps trade tensions, Meloni emphasized their shared conservative values and declared her intention to make the West great again.

However, her direct engagement with Trump has raised concerns among EU allies, who worry that this might undermine the blocs unity in facing external challenges. Meanwhile, despite Trumps optimistic outlook on negotiating a deal with the 27-nation EU, he has reiterated that he is in no rush to finalize negotiations.

Complicating matters further is the contentious issue of Russias war in Ukraine. Meloni has consistently supported Ukraine and its President, Volodymyr Zelensky, since the onset of the conflict in 2022, recently denouncing a Russian attack on the city of Sumy as horrible and vile. In stark contrast, Trump has drawn criticism for his perceived pivot toward Russia and has expressed dissatisfaction with Zelensky in previous remarks. During a televised Oval Office meeting in February, he and Vance openly criticized the Ukrainian leader, with Trump stating, I dont hold Zelensky responsible but Im not exactly thrilled with the fact that that war started, revealing the complex dynamics at play in U.S.-Italy relations concerning foreign policy.