By Atoyebi Nike
Pope Leo XIV received U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Vatican on Monday, following his inaugural mass as the newly elected head of the Roman Catholic Church. The meeting marked a significant early diplomatic engagement for the Chicago-born pope, who was elected on May 8 to lead the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
The meetings reaffirmed strong bilateral ties between the United States and the Holy See. “Collaboration between Church and State was discussed, as well as some matters of special relevance to ecclesial life and religious freedom,” the statement noted.
Both sides also exchanged views on pressing international issues, emphasizing the need for respect for humanitarian and international law in regions of conflict, and calling for peaceful, negotiated solutions.
The visit came a day after a large inaugural mass in St. Peter’s Square, attended by over 200,000 people including global dignitaries, royals, and religious faithful.
Pope Leo XIV, who previously criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump and voiced opposition to certain immigration policies—including remarks directed at Vance—has now assumed a diplomatic tone in his new role. Despite past criticisms, Vance expressed support for the pontiff.
“The United States is very proud of him,” Vance said during a separate meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. “Certainly, our prayers go with him as he starts this very important work.”
The meeting reflects both the symbolic and practical importance of U.S.-Vatican relations at a time when global stability and religious freedom remain under intense international scrutiny.
