In a meeting that could reset strained relations between the Vatican and the White House, Vice-President JD Vance has delivered a message from President Trump with an invitation to Pope Leo XIV to visit Washington.
See the tweet below!
This significant gesture follows a cordial encounter in which both sides sought to mend past differences.
As tensions on issues like immigration remain, the invitation represents a hopeful step forward.
President Donald Trump, through his trusted Vice-President JD Vance, formally invited Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Cardinal Robert Prevost, to the White House.
This invitation was delivered personally by Vance during a private meeting at the Vatican.
Such an invitation indicates a willingness by the Trump administration to open dialogues which had been frozen due to differing views, particularly on immigration policies.
The meeting saw an exchange of gifts, emphasizing the cordial nature of the interaction.
Vance presented the Pope with a Chicago Bears jersey, drawing on the Pope’s American roots, while the Pontiff reciprocated with a bronze sculpture.
Despite their past disagreements on issues like migration, these gestures hint at an openness to bridge gaps.
A notable element of the meeting was its focus on international issues and humanitarian law, topics at the forefront of global concern.
This private meeting, without media presence, lasted 45 minutes and saw the participation of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlighting the importance of international diplomatic discussions amidst worldwide conflicts.
“Finally, there was an exchange of views on current international issues with a shared call for respect for humanitarian and international law in conflict zones, and support for negotiated solutions among the parties involved,” revealed the Holy See.
The backdrop of this meeting includes Pope Leo XIV’s previous criticisms of the Trump administration’s immigration policies, a topic likely not ignored in their discussions.
Known for converting to Catholicism in 2019, VP JD Vance expressed pride in the Chicago-born Pope and conveyed the excitement felt by many Americans at the prospect of Leo’s visit.
Amidst tensions, Vance’s conversion and past disagreements with the Pope on immigration reveal contrasting views within the context of aligning paths forward.
The meeting aimed to reset relations despite these differences. Christopher White, the Vatican correspondent for the National Catholic Reporter, noted, “Vance certainly knows where the pope stands on the Trump administration’s position on migration, and so I think it was probably important for both sides to use the meeting today as a reset in relations.”
As the world watches, this invitation to Pope Leo XIV could signify a new era of cooperation between two influential leadership bodies.
While the Vatican has expressed satisfaction with its current US relations, it remains to be seen whether the Pope will prioritize a visit to the United States or to other key locations, such as Peru.
Pope Leo XIV and Vice President J.D. Vance meet ahead of U.S.-led diplomatic flurry to reach ceasefire in Ukrainehttps://t.co/6BRsXHLb59 pic.twitter.com/WSWP1bVmH5
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) May 20, 2025
