Pope and Vance 'exchange Easter greetings' at Vatican

Pope Francis spoke with US vice-president JD Vance on Easter Sunday in a private and brief meeting as the pontiff recovers from pneumonia.

- JOSHUA MCELWEE

Mr Vance, a Catholic who has clashed with the pontiff over the Trump administration's immigration policies, met Francis at the Domus Santa Marta for a few minutes “to exchange Easter greetings”, the Vatican said.

His motorcade entered Vatican City through a side gate and parked near Francis’ hotel residence while Easter Mass was being celebrated in St Peter’s Square. Francis, who has greatly cut back his workload to recover, delegated the celebration of the Mass to another cardinal.

“Pope Francis had a brief private encounter ... lasting a few minutes, in order to exchange good wishes on Easter day," said the statement.

After Easter Mass, the pope later appeared in St Peter’s Square to greet crowds in an open-air popemobile.