Pope Leo XIV recently held his first official meeting with US Vice President JD Vance and Senator Marco Rubio. This meeting is seen as the beginning of a political relationship between the Trump Administration and the new leadership of the Vatican.
There have been meetings between the Pope and American leaders in the past, too; however, this one is different. This meeting signified a potential shift in tone and policy. The key points addressed in the meeting were humanitarian and diplomatic concerns.
The event was watched closely by both political analysts of US and Vatican observers.
The Vatican has long played a soft power role in global diplomacy. This meeting opens the door to future cooperation on international issues such as migration, religious freedom, and conflict resolution. However, the point of contention could be that both parties have very different views on these matters.
It was clear that the meeting had political undertones rather than a religious pilgrimage. However, there was a clear sign that confirmed it. It was Vice President Vance’s decision not to kiss the Pope’s Ring. The kissing of the ring is a symbolic gesture of respect and admiration.
The move marked a departure from traditional Catholic protocol.
JD Vance addresses why he wasn’t able to kiss Pope Leo’s ring Pt 1 of 2 pic.twitter.com/n1xrKq5UGQ
— Anthony (@Catholicizm1) May 21, 2025
White House aides also clarified that the gesture was omitted in accordance with established diplomatic customs. These customs guide interactions between American leaders and foreign heads of state. It was claimed that Vance aimed to strike a balance between cultural respect and constitutional principles. He was meeting Pope Leo, a secular leader of a democratic nation, and was following protocols.
JD Vance also addressed the decision later when we made an appearance on Interesting Times. It is a podcast hosted by columnist Ross Douthat. “I wanted to be respectful of the Pope as a spiritual leader,” Vance explained, “but I also had to honor the protocols that come with representing the American people in a secular office.”
Pope Leo XIV holds a private audience with US Vice President James David (J.D.) Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who attended the Inauguration Mass of his pontificate on Sunday.https://t.co/3XTs1m2fuk pic.twitter.com/wjcLAR7ZZ2
— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) May 19, 2025
He also emphasized that his choice should not be interpreted as an insult. Rather, everyone must see it as a demonstration of the United States’ unique position on the world stage, where diplomacy and tradition must coexist.
The meeting between Vance, Rubio and the Pope was described as warm and respectful. In a light-hearted and personal gesture, Vance and his wife Usha presented Pope Leo XIV with a Chicago Bears jersey emblazoned with the Pope’s name. It was an homage to His Holiness’s hometown. The gift was met with smiles and appreciation and helped to set a cordial tone for the discussions.
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
The premise of the meeting focused heavily on humanitarian concerns. They talked extensively about international conflicts, religious persecution, and the global refugee crisis. JD Vance also delivered a personal letter from President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump. He also extended a formal invitation to Pope Leo to visit the White House in the near future.
“I’ll read that at some point.” — Pope Leo’s response to JD Vance giving him a letter from President Trump inviting him to the United States pic.twitter.com/5OGztKZ2lM
— Christopher Hale (@chrisjollyhale) May 19, 2025
This meeting was very important. It has set the stage for an ever-evolving relationship between the Vatican and the current US administration. There will always be ideological differences between both sides. Yet they have expressed a willingness to continue open dialogue.
Scroll for some glimpses of the VP and the Pope together.
In his recent interaction with Pope Leo, the VP was slammed for his ‘too casual’ approach.
Clicked: The VP and and the Second Lady greeting Pope Leo on his inauguration mass day.
