Pope Leo XIV recently engaged in cordial discussions with US Vice President JD Vance—a week after the Pope’s inaugural mass—highlighting the strengthening ties between the Vatican and the United States amid past tensions regarding immigration policies.
Pope Leo XIV and JD Vance Hold Diplomacy Talks in Vatican

Pope Leo XIV and JD Vance Hold Diplomacy Talks in Vatican
In a historic meeting, Pope Leo XIV welcomes Vice President JD Vance, addressing key international concerns.
The article text follows.
Pope Leo XIV has held a significant meeting with US Vice President JD Vance, characterized as "cordial" by Vatican sources. This pivotal encounter, which lasted 45 minutes, followed shortly after Vance attended the Pope's inaugural mass, joining thousands of attendees to celebrate the first American leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
The Vatican reported the meeting focused on various topics, including the relationship between the US and the Holy See, with both parties expressing satisfaction with current relations. Notably, they discussed principles of religious freedom and the essential cooperation needed between church and state. The meeting was also attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, where international issues were addressed, emphasizing a collective call for respect for humanitarian laws, especially in conflict zones, and advocating for negotiated peace among involved parties.
Vance’s spokesperson confirmed that the conversations took place behind closed doors, ensuring privacy for the high-level discussions. The vice president regarded the meeting positively and highlighted America's pride for the Chicago-born pontiff, wishing him well as he embarks on his vital work.
Prior to their meeting, it was known that Pope Leo had voiced concerns regarding the Trump administration’s immigration strategies, creating a backdrop of previous criticism directed at Vance, which the Vatican has yet to officially address.
As the dialogue unfolds, the collaboration between the Vatican and the US government appears to be an evolving narrative, seeking to balance past disputes with future unity on humanitarian issues.
Pope Leo XIV has held a significant meeting with US Vice President JD Vance, characterized as "cordial" by Vatican sources. This pivotal encounter, which lasted 45 minutes, followed shortly after Vance attended the Pope's inaugural mass, joining thousands of attendees to celebrate the first American leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
The Vatican reported the meeting focused on various topics, including the relationship between the US and the Holy See, with both parties expressing satisfaction with current relations. Notably, they discussed principles of religious freedom and the essential cooperation needed between church and state. The meeting was also attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, where international issues were addressed, emphasizing a collective call for respect for humanitarian laws, especially in conflict zones, and advocating for negotiated peace among involved parties.
Vance’s spokesperson confirmed that the conversations took place behind closed doors, ensuring privacy for the high-level discussions. The vice president regarded the meeting positively and highlighted America's pride for the Chicago-born pontiff, wishing him well as he embarks on his vital work.
Prior to their meeting, it was known that Pope Leo had voiced concerns regarding the Trump administration’s immigration strategies, creating a backdrop of previous criticism directed at Vance, which the Vatican has yet to officially address.
As the dialogue unfolds, the collaboration between the Vatican and the US government appears to be an evolving narrative, seeking to balance past disputes with future unity on humanitarian issues.