After returning from the US, Italy’s Prime Minister Meloni hosted US Vice President JD Vance in Rome, describing their meeting as “another great opportunity.” Following her visit to the US, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with US Vice President James David (JD) Vance in Rome. Yesterday, Meloni discussed key issues in Washington with President Donald Trump such as customs tariffs, the Russia-Ukraine war, and defense spending. Vance arrived in Rome this morning to spend Easter with Meloni, meeting at the Chigi Palace. Meloni welcomed Vance with a formal ceremony in the courtyard before the two gave brief statements to the press. Meloni expressed her honor in hosting Vance, whom she hadn’t seen in a long time. She emphasized that today’s meeting was another significant chance to strengthen bilateral cooperation, stating, “We have many topics to discuss, both from yesterday’s meeting and today, but Italy and the US are determined to enhance their collaboration.” Vance highlighted that their talks would focus on the relationship between the two countries, as well as trade negotiations with the European Union (EU), stressing the importance of addressing various challenges. He mentioned briefing the Prime Minister on negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, expressing hope to end the ongoing conflict. How did the Meloni-Trump meeting resonate in the Italian press? Italian media extensively covered the Meloni-Trump meeting that took place on Thursday, April 17. La Repubblica reported that Meloni invited Trump to Rome to meet with EU leaders, and Trump praised the Italian Prime Minister as his “best ally,” a statement which Meloni accepted. The article highlighted that during the meeting, Trump maintained his stance on customs tariffs when discussing the issue with Meloni, and their approaches on Ukraine differed. La Stampa’s piece noted that Meloni avoided divisive topics during her meeting with Trump but openly criticized Putin’s aggression in the context of the Ukraine war. Vance is expected to meet with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin during his stay in Rome over Easter. Having recently recovered from pneumonia, it is uncertain whether Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, will be received by Pope Francis, leader of the Catholics, and President of the Vatican City State, who recently met with Britain’s Prince Charles during his own recovery period. The question of whether Pope Francis will meet with the second-highest official of the Trump administration, with whom his relationship on migration and other issues has been at times tense, remains a topic of curiosity.