Vice President J.D. Vance’s Upcoming International Visits to Italy and India
As Easter approaches, Vice President J.D. Vance is preparing for an important diplomatic journey to the Vatican and beyond. The trip, which includes stops in Italy and India, underscores the administration’s focus on strengthening international ties.
Announced via a statement on Wednesday, this official visit spans April 18-24 and will include Vice President Vance, second lady Usha Vance, and their children. The objective is to engage with international leaders on economic and geopolitical issues while taking part in cultural exchanges.
Key meetings are scheduled with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The itinerary in India will include stops in New Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra.
Earlier this month, Bloomberg highlighted Vance’s plans to be in Italy from April 18-20, coinciding with Good Friday and Easter Sunday, two significant Christian observances. The dates, however, were subject to change based on logistical considerations.
This diplomatic tour marks Vice President Vance’s third international venture since his tenure began. His previous visits included a trip to Greenland last month and engagements in Germany and France earlier.
The addition of India to the itinerary signifies Vance’s first venture outside of Europe since taking office. Notably, President Donald Trump has not embarked on any international trips since commencing his second term.
During President Trump’s first term, he met with Pope Francis at the Vatican, four months into his presidency. Although Vance’s current schedule doesn’t include a meeting with the Pope, the possibility remains now that Pope Francis has recently been discharged from the hospital.
Pope Francis has been vocal about his views on the Trump-Vance administration, particularly regarding its immigration stance. He previously addressed this in a letter to U.S. Catholic Bishops, expressing concerns over the administration’s deportation policies.
Vance’s Catholic faith has been a visible aspect of his vice presidency. Last month, during a visit to the U.S.-Mexico border, he observed Ash Wednesday by receiving ashes from a Catholic priest, a tradition for many Catholics and some Protestants.
This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com
