Pope Leo XIV's meeting with Vice President JD Vance indicates a potential thaw in relations between the Vatican and U.S. conservatives, following years of tension under Pope Francis.
Pope Leo XIV and JD Vance: A Shift in U.S.-Vatican Relations
Pope Leo XIV and JD Vance: A Shift in U.S.-Vatican Relations
A new chapter begins as Pope Leo XIV engages with American conservatives in pursuit of renewed dialogue.
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Pope Leo XIV held a significant closed-door meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance at the Vatican on Monday, marking the first personal dialogue between prominent American Catholics since the election of the new pontiff. This eagerly awaited encounter comes during a challenging phase for relations between the papacy and the White House, particularly regarding sensitive topics like immigration and theological differences.
The dialogue occurred shortly after Pope Leo suggested that the Catholic Church could take on a mediating role in international disputes, notably mentioning the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Just days before, he presided over an inaugural Mass where both he and Vice President Vance met privately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss this pressing global issue.
Following the discussions with Pope Leo, Vance also conversed with Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican's foreign minister. According to the Vatican press office, their talks were "cordial" and reaffirmed the notion of "good bilateral relations." They exchanged thoughts on various international matters, emphasizing the need to respect humanitarian and international laws amid conflicts and push for negotiated resolutions.
This meeting is seen as a beacon of hope for some factions within the American right who are keen on fostering improved ties with the Holy See. Under Pope Francis, Leo XIV's predecessor, relations had become strained, particularly as Francis challenged some priorities of the Trump administration—deeming certain views as "not Christian." During his tenure, Francis aligned more closely with Democratic perspectives on pressing issues such as environmentalism and nuclear negotiations with Iran.
The outcome of this meeting underscores a desire for realignment amid ongoing cultural and policy disagreements, raising expectations for the future interplay between U.S. conservatives and the papacy under Pope Leo XIV.
Pope Leo XIV held a significant closed-door meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance at the Vatican on Monday, marking the first personal dialogue between prominent American Catholics since the election of the new pontiff. This eagerly awaited encounter comes during a challenging phase for relations between the papacy and the White House, particularly regarding sensitive topics like immigration and theological differences.
The dialogue occurred shortly after Pope Leo suggested that the Catholic Church could take on a mediating role in international disputes, notably mentioning the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Just days before, he presided over an inaugural Mass where both he and Vice President Vance met privately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss this pressing global issue.
Following the discussions with Pope Leo, Vance also conversed with Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican's foreign minister. According to the Vatican press office, their talks were "cordial" and reaffirmed the notion of "good bilateral relations." They exchanged thoughts on various international matters, emphasizing the need to respect humanitarian and international laws amid conflicts and push for negotiated resolutions.
This meeting is seen as a beacon of hope for some factions within the American right who are keen on fostering improved ties with the Holy See. Under Pope Francis, Leo XIV's predecessor, relations had become strained, particularly as Francis challenged some priorities of the Trump administration—deeming certain views as "not Christian." During his tenure, Francis aligned more closely with Democratic perspectives on pressing issues such as environmentalism and nuclear negotiations with Iran.
The outcome of this meeting underscores a desire for realignment amid ongoing cultural and policy disagreements, raising expectations for the future interplay between U.S. conservatives and the papacy under Pope Leo XIV.
