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 included a private audience between the Pope and Vance, followed by discussions on international issues, collaboration between Church and State, and religious freedom. The U.S. delegation, which had attended the Pope's inaugural Mass, presented the Pope with a Chicago Bears jersey. The meeting occurred amid ongoing diplomatic efforts regarding conflicts, including the war in Ukraine.
9 days ago
Following Pope Leo XIV's election on May 8, 2025, and his Inaugural Mass on May 18, a U.S. delegation led by Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited the Vatican 1 2. President Donald Trump extended an invitation to Pope Leo XIV to visit the White House, conveyed through a letter hand-delivered by Vance 1 2. Trump expressed enthusiasm about the election of the first American Pope 1.
Vance and Rubio met with Pope Leo XIV in the papal library for a private audience 7 9. The discussions covered a range of topics, including the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine 5. Respect for humanitarian and international law in conflict zones was emphasized 4 6. Collaboration between the Church and State, along with matters of religious freedom, were also addressed 6 7. The Vatican statement alluded to "an exchange of views" on international issues, suggesting potential disagreements between the U.S. administration and the Vatican 7.
During the meeting, Vance presented Pope Leo XIV with several gifts 1 2. These included copies of St. Augustine's works, "The City of God" and "On Christian Doctrine" 4 5. A notable gift was a Chicago Bears jersey emblazoned with "Pope Leo XIV" 1 2. Vance stated that people in the United States were very excited about Pope Leo XIV 2.
Pope Leo XIV's stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict appears more assertive than that of his predecessor, Pope Francis 7 9. Leo XIV has promptly engaged with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and called for a "just and lasting peace" 5 7. Previously, as Cardinal Prevost, Pope Leo XIV criticized the Trump administration's stance on mass deportations, and publicly disagreed with Vance on social issues 6 8. The seating arrangement during the meeting, with Vance and Rubio in places of honor typically reserved for heads of state, raised questions 7.
How should Church and State collaborate on international issues?
While Pope Leo XIV is the current Pope, there is no record of a Pope Leo XIV meeting with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. However, I can provide information about how the Catholic Church and the Holy See engage with political leaders and international diplomacy.
Here's a breakdown:
In summary, while the specific meeting you mentioned has not occurred, the Catholic Church, through the Holy See, consistently engages in diplomatic efforts to promote peace, justice, and human dignity on the international stage.