During an official visit to the Vatican on Monday, May 19, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance met privately with Pope Leo XIV. Their discussion was later joined by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
After the meeting with the Pope, Vice President Vance continued talks with members of the Vatican’s Secretariat of State. A report from the Holy See characterized the discussions as “friendly.”
“The parties exchanged views on current international issues, calling for respect for humanitarian and international law in conflict zones, as well as for peaceful resolution among the involved parties,” the statement said.
Vance and Rubio were in Rome to lead the U.S. delegation at the inauguration Mass for Pope Leo XIV, held the previous day, May 18, in St. Peter’s Square. The event drew a crowd of roughly 200,000 attendees.
Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, was widely recognized for championing the rights of the poor and migrants and was often critical of U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies.
Vice President Vance had also met briefly with Francis on Easter Sunday, just one day before the former Pope’s death.
