First American Pope Hosts Vance and Rubio in Historic Vatican Meeting

In a historic moment at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, welcomed U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his wife, Jeanette, for a private audience on Monday. The meeting followed the group’s attendance at the pope’s inaugural mass on Sunday, a ceremony that drew global attention for its message of unity and peace.

The private discussions, held in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace, underscored the strengthening ties between the Holy See and the U.S. government. Vance later met with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States, where they exchanged views on religious freedom, ecclesial life, and pressing international issues. Their talks were described as "cordial," with both sides affirming the importance of humanitarian and international law in resolving global conflicts.

Pope Leo XIV, known for his emphasis on traditional family values and the dignity of the unborn, used the occasion to highlight shared priorities between the Vatican and the U.S. leadership. The meeting signals a new chapter in U.S.-Vatican relations, with both sides committed to collaboration on matters of faith, freedom, and global stability.