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A symbolic journey between alliances and tradition
The Vice President of the United States, James David Vance, concluded his first official visit to Italy on Sunday, leaving Rome in the evening from Ciampino on a direct flight to New Delhi. Accompanied by his wife Usha and children, the trip was a skillful combination of institutional moments, high-level meetings and breaks dedicated to discovering the cultural and spiritual richness of the Capital.
“It was fantastic to meet Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome. Italy is a wonderful country and a great ally of the United States,” Vance said on Instagram, enthusiastically summarizing the meaning of his stay. A clear and direct message, addressed not only to Italians but also to the American public, which confirms the key role that Italy continues to play in transatlantic relations.
A Roman Easter between faith and diplomacy
The Vice President’s last day in Rome took place in a particularly intense climate, thanks to the Easter holiday. The morning began with a Eucharistic ceremony in St. Peter’s Basilica, a private and intimate moment that preceded the surprise meeting with Pope Francis.
The meeting with the Pontiff took place at Casa Santa Marta, where Francis is still recovering from his recent hospitalization. A brief but meaningful face-to-face meeting, during which, according to the Vatican Press Office, they exchanged Easter greetings. A gesture of mutual attention and respect that, although informal, adds symbolic weight to the trip. The Pope gave Vance a Vatican tie, some rosaries and three Easter eggs for his children. “I know you’re not feeling well, but it’s nice to see you healthy. Thank you for having me,” Vance said with gratitude to the Pontiff. Afterwards, the vice president went with his family to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, where he took part in the Easter Mass and visited the tomb of the apostle Paul, thus sealing a day full of spirituality and meaning.
Hadrian’s Villa: a cultural stop between history and wonder
In the afternoon, the trip continued with a visit to Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli, one of the most evocative and historically rich archaeological sites in Italy. Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the imperial villa offered the Vance family a privileged glimpse of the ancient splendor of the city. An opportunity to strengthen the cultural bond between the United States and Italy, based on mutual admiration and shared historical heritage.
Meloni and Vance: a dialogue between allies
During his stay in Rome, Vance met with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a moment that marked the strengthening of relations between the two sides of the Atlantic. The two leaders discussed issues of global importance, from international security to climate change, through economic cooperation and the dynamics of NATO. The institutional meetings were completed with a conversation with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See.
Controversies and inconveniences: the other side of the coin
However, there was no shortage of controversy. On Saturday, during the scheduled visit to the Colosseum, the monument was closed to the public two hours early to allow exclusive access to Vance and his wife. The decision sparked anger among many tourists who remained outside the gates. In the end, Vance did not even take part in the visit, busy with other meetings, while only his wife enjoyed the most famous amphitheater in the world. Codacons announced the filing of a complaint for the inconvenience caused to visitors. Criticism also came from the Parioli neighborhood, where Villa Taverna is located, home to the U.S. embassy and temporary residence of the Vance family. The security measures, with about forty vehicles following the vice president, caused road closures and diversions that exasperated residents.
A complex, but positive outcome
Despite the inevitable logistical difficulties, James David Vance’s trip to Rome ends with a positive outcome. Between spirituality, culture and diplomacy, the visit showed a human and authentic face of the vice president, committed not only to consolidate institutional ties, but also to live an immersive experience in the tradition and beauty of Italy. A clear message: alliances matter, but gestures and presence make the difference.
Alessandro Fiorentino