Pope Leo XIV Meets with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Vatican
Pope Leo XIV met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Vatican on May 19, 2025. The meeting, which included a private one-on-one between Vance and the Pope, focused on religious freedom, international issues, and collaboration between Church and State. President Trump extended an invitation for Pope Leo XIV to visit the White House, delivered by Vance. The meeting occurred amidst ongoing efforts by both the U.S. and the Holy See to address the war in Ukraine and other global concerns.
9 days ago
U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on May 19, 2025 1 9. This marked the first official encounter between the new American-born Pope and representatives of the Trump administration since his inauguration 1 10. The discussions aimed to strengthen the strategic and spiritual dialogue between the United States and the Holy See 1.
During the meeting, Vice President Vance hand-delivered a letter from President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, inviting Pope Leo XIV to visit the White House 2 4. The Pope acknowledged the invitation, stating "at some point" 2 6. Trump had previously expressed his excitement about the election of the first American Pope 2 4.
The meeting addressed shared global concerns, particularly the persecution of Christians and the defense of religious freedom 1 3. Discussions covered regions from the Middle East to Asia and Africa, emphasizing the need to protect vulnerable communities and uphold conscience rights 1. The humanitarian crises in Ukraine and Gaza were also prominent topics, with both parties expressing a desire for negotiated solutions rooted in international law and humanitarian respect 1.
Vice President Vance presented Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native, with a Chicago Bears jersey emblazoned with "Pope Leo XIV" on the back 2 4 6 9 11. This gift was seen as a gesture of goodwill and a nod to the Pope's American roots 6 7. Vance noted that people in the United States were extremely excited about the new Pope 4.
Pope Leo XIV's stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict was a key point of discussion 9 10 11. The Pope has taken a more pro-Ukraine stance than his predecessor, calling for a "just and lasting peace" and offering the Vatican as a location for potential peace talks 9 10 16. Vance and Rubio also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Rome, discussing ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire 9 11.
Despite the cordial nature of the meeting, reports indicate that Vance and Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, had past disagreements, particularly on the issue of migration 6 10 16. Then-Cardinal Prevost had previously criticized Vance's views on social media 8 10 16. The Vatican's statement acknowledged "an exchange of views on some current international issues," suggesting that these differences were addressed 9 11.
How does the Church define collaboration between Church and State?
While I cannot provide specific details about a meeting between Pope Leo XIV and U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, I can offer information on the Holy See's approach to international relations and diplomacy.
The Holy See engages in diplomacy to promote human dignity, religious freedom, and peaceful resolutions to conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine. Its approach is rooted in dialogue, collaboration, and a commitment to addressing global issues while upholding fundamental human rights.