In a crucial new move, US Vice-President JD Vance has delivered to Pope Leo a message from President Trump containing an invitation for a state visit to the United States.
See the tweet below!
In a meeting at the Vatican, Vance, representing the Trump administration, delivered a personal letter from President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, inviting the pontiff to the White House.
This is seen as a significant move to foster international and interfaith collaboration.
The meeting at the Vatican was marked by respectful dialogue and exchange of gifts, where Vance presented Pope Leo with a Chicago Bears jersey.
In return, the Holy Father gifted Vance a bronze sculpture.
Discussions during the visit included matters of international significance, such as religious freedom and humanitarian law, facilitated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was also present.
The invitation comes amidst a backdrop of previous criticisms by Pope Leo, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, against Trump’s immigration policies—a critical point since Vance himself converted to Catholicism not long ago.
Nonetheless, both parties appeared keen on resetting relations, as emphasized by the White House, indicating satisfaction with the current US-Vatican relationship, AP News reports.
Christopher White, a Vatican correspondent, remarked on the significance of the meeting, stating, “Vance certainly knows where the pope stands on the Trump administration’s position on migration, and so I think it was probably important for both sides to use the meeting today as a reset in relations.”
There was mutual agreement on striving for peace and respect for international norms—which the Vatican has historically supported.
Before Vice-President Vance’s visit, there was speculation around the pope’s next potential visit.
As an American-born pope, he has a connection to both the United States and his adopted country, Peru.
However, Vatican expert Christopher White suggests, “He will be quite shrewd. I think it’s fair to say that we can expect him to visit Peru, his adopted country, before he visits his homeland.”
Pope Leo XIV’s role in international diplomacy remains pivotal, with offers from the Vatican to host peace talks for the Russia-Ukraine war.
During the meeting, the promise of peaceful and negotiated solutions in global conflicts was highlighted.
“Peace is a fragile flower,” Pope Leo XIV indicated, mindful of the delicate nature of global peace efforts.
The encounter between Vance and Pope Leo XIV signifies a step forward in strengthening US relations with the Vatican, highlighting common goals amid potential ideological differences.
As the new papacy unfolds, the US remains engaged and optimistic about enhanced cooperation on shared values and international matters.
Pope Leo XIV received a custom #Bears jersey from JD Vance today, per the Vatican
Super Bears, Super Bowl. I don’t make the rules guys pic.twitter.com/3YOc7bFWey
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) May 19, 2025
