In brief
In a recent 45-minute meeting, Pope Leo XIV and Vice-President JD Vance addressed the state of US-Vatican relations, focusing on humanitarian issues and the importance of religious freedom, following the Pope's inaugural Mass as the first American leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
Pope Leo XIV has engaged in cordial discussions with US Vice-President JD Vance, as reported by the Vatican. The meeting occurred shortly after Vance attended the Pope's inaugural mass alongside dignitaries and devoted followers. Notably, Pope Leo, who made history earlier this month as the first American to preside over the Roman Catholic Church, had previously expressed subtle criticisms of Vance's stance and that of the Trump administration on migration policies. The Holy See released a statement noting the productive nature of the meeting, held face-to-face in private for approximately 45 minutes. Topics of discussion included the current state of US-Vatican relations, efforts regarding religious freedom, and fostering collaboration between church and state. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was also present during the discussions. Furthermore, the statement indicated that the participants shared insights on pressing international matters, advocating for humanitarian respect and international law in conflict zones, as well as the necessity for negotiated settlements among conflicting parties.In addition to this meeting, Vance reportedly had fruitful discussions with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, who oversees the Holy See’s diplomatic communications. Despite previous criticisms from a social media account linked to Leo's name about migration policies and a recent opinion piece aimed at Vance’s views, the Vice-President expressed his pride in the Pope's leadership, emphasizing the significance of this role as he embarks on his ministry.
