Jerusalem, October 24, 2025
VP Vance inside the Holy Sepulchre with Pat. Theophilos. Photo: en-jeruslaem-patriarchate.info
His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem welcomed Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre yesterday.
The Patriarch, joined by Catholic and Armenian leaders, personally guided the distinguished visitors through the sacred church, which holds profound significance for all Christians as the site of the Lord’s Crucifixion and Resurrection, reports the Jerusalem Patriarchate.
During the visit, His Beatitude shared his respectful greetings to President Trump and expressed his gratitude for the U.S. administration’s efforts in seeking a ceasefire in Gaza and easing the suffering of innocent civilians. Reflecting on the words of Christ, Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God (Mt. 5:9), the Patriarch emphasized the Church’s ongoing prayer for peace in the Holy Land, hoping that wisdom, compassion, and divine grace would guide efforts toward peace.
The Vances visited the site of Golgotha, the Stone of Anointing, and the Lord’s Tomb within the church. VP Vance then had Confession with a Catholic priest and attended a private mass, reports AOL.
VP Vance at Golgotha. Photo: X
Earlier in the week, when announcing his intention to visit the Church, Vice President Vance remarked:
I know that Christians have many titles for Jesus Christ, and one of them is the “Prince of Peace.” I ask all people of faith, in particular my fellow Christians, to pray that the Prince of Peace can continue to work a miracle in this region of the world. I think that we have made incredible strides over the past week. We’re going to have to make a lot more, but I think with your prayers, with God’s providence, and with a very good team behind me, I think we’re gonna get it done.
Following the visit, Vance took to X to express his gratitude for the opportunity to visit the holy site. He wrote:
What an amazing blessing to have visited the site of Christ’s death and resurrection. I am immensely grateful to the Greek, Armenian, and Catholic priests who care for this most sacred of places. May the Prince of Peace have mercy on us, and bless our efforts for peace.
The visit underscored the ongoing commitment to peace in the region, with both the Patriarch and the Vice President expressing hopes for continued progress toward reconciliation.
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