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Vice President JD Vance met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Monday, marking a significant encounter with the newly elected pontiff.
During their meeting, Vance presented Pope Leo with a letter from President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, extending an invitation for the Pope to visit the White House.
In response, Pope Leo acknowledged the invitation, stating, “at some point,” as captured in footage released by the Vatican.
The meeting, held in the apostolic palace, was initially private between Vance and Pope Leo and later included Secretary of State Marco Rubio. As a gesture of goodwill, Vance gifted the Pope a Chicago Bears jersey emblazoned with “Pope Leo” and the number “XIV,” reflecting the Pope’s Chicago roots.
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, was elected on May 8, becoming the first American-born Pope.
Following their meeting, Vance discussed these issues with officials from the Vatican’s Secretariat of State. The Vatican described these talks as “cordial,” focusing on current international issues and emphasizing the importance of respecting humanitarian and international law.
While Pope Leo acknowledged the invitation to visit the United States, his first international trip is anticipated to be to Turkey, in line with plans made under Pope Francis.
In a Truth Social post, Trump previously congratulated the new pope after the announcement of the first American leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
“Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!” Trump said.
The president and First Lady Melania Trump attended the funeral of Pope Francis. Francis passed away just one day after Vance met with him.
“I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him,” Vance posted to X following the passing of Francis.
“I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful. May God rest his soul,” Vance stated.
