Pope Leo XIV welcomed U.S. Vice President JD Vance for a crucial closed-door meeting in the Vatican on Monday, marking the first private discussion between the pontiff and a prominent American Catholic leader since his election. This meeting comes at a time of heightened tensions between the White House and the papacy, particularly around issues such as immigration and spiritual doctrine.
Just days prior, Pope Leo reiterated the church's willingness to serve as a mediator in global disputes, including the ongoing turmoil between Ukraine and Russia. Following his inaugural Mass on Sunday, both the pope and Vice President Vance had separate discussions with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, focusing on the dire humanitarian situation there.
In conjunction with the meeting with Pope Leo, Vance also engaged in talks with Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican's foreign minister. The Vatican's press office described these discussions as "cordial," affirming the aim of maintaining strong bilateral relations. The talks included a call for adherence to humanitarian and international law amid ongoing global conflicts and highlighted the necessity of negotiated resolutions.
This encounter offers hope to segments of the American conservative community, who have long felt at odds with Pope Francis, Leo's predecessor. Francis often criticized views held by figures like former President Trump, particularly on immigration, which sparked significant friction between the Vatican and the Republican establishment. Unlike his predecessor, Pope Leo's emerging approach seems to lean towards fostering a cooperative relationship with the American right, potentially realigning the papacy's stance on certain issues.
