Then, in a deeply symbolic last encounter, Pope Francis received JD Vance. Vance — an important voice in American politics today, and Trump’s most essential political ally. This private meeting took place at the Domus Santa Marta guesthouse in Vatican City. Francis continued to live there for most of his papacy. Vance himself was one of the last personal visitors to the Pope before his September 14th death. Their meeting underscored a long, rocky relationship characterized by highly publicized clashes over administration immigration policies and religious doctrine.
Pope Francis articulated the obligation of a country to protect its neighborhoods from people who had committed heinous offenses. He needed to distance himself from a notion of ordo amoris that he felt had been misunderstood or misapplied. Vance for a while now to justify outrageous acts of censorship the U.S. government has undertaken. In his communication to the bishops, Francis emphasized that his interpretation of ordo amoris promotes compassion and fraternity, contrasting sharply with the stance taken by Vance and Trump.
The Pope, of course, has been an outspoken critic of many of Trump’s policies, especially on immigration. His letter to U.S. bishops described mass deportations as a “major crisis” that undermines “the dignity of many men and women.” His commitments to the most vulnerable and marginalized will always prevail. In fact, this commitment has been a distinguishing stamp of his papacy.
Francis graciously outfitted Vance with gifts during their congenial exchanges. The gifts range from rosaries to a Vatican embroidered tie and three giant chocolate Easter eggs. In what was to be his last Urbi et Orbi message, Francis pleaded with fire and fervor for mercy and compassion. He encouraged all of us to cultivate empathy for those who might look and act differently and from other walks of life.
“Christian love is not a concentric expansion of interests that little by little extend to other persons and groups,” – Pope Francis
Vance’s political alliance with Trump has repeatedly put Vance on the opposite side of Francis’s positions. Pope Francis – Nailed US immigration policy, and the need for a more compassionate society, drawing the ire of Donald Trump himself. He described it as “graceful” that a religious leader would question another person’s faith. This tension highlights the broader cultural conflict between progressive Christian values championed by Francis and the more conservative policies supported by Vance and Trump.
Francis gave life to the debate by following up on Vance’s invocation of medieval Catholic theology. He pointed out that a deep appreciation of ordo amoris can only be gained through contemplation of the parable of the Good Samaritan. He invited all people without exception to bask in this inclusive love. He argued for a more holistic, manners-focused approach to solving social problems.
“The true ordo amoris that must be promoted is that which we discover by meditating constantly on the parable of the Good Samaritan, that is, by meditating on the love that builds a fraternity open to all, without exception.” – Pope Francis
Francis’s criticisms of U.S. immigration policies starkly contrast with Vance’s political agenda. The Pope has often condemned actions that prioritize walls over bridges, stating, “A person who thinks only about building walls… is not Christian.” This quote certainly ascribes to the intention we hear from Francis to build bridges rather than walls between people.
The meeting was a good chance for Vance to air his criticism of Francis’ death as it happened. Vance was one of the very final papal visitors granted an audience with the Pope. Together, their visit produced a rare moment to reflect on their shared history, a complicated past defined by oppression but productive conversation.