In a historic meeting, Vice President JD Vance presented Pope Leo XIV with a Chicago Bears jersey, marking a significant development in efforts to reset relations with the Holy See. The Vatican has been critical of Trump’s migration policy, but Pope Leo XIV has called for an ‘authentic and lasting peace’ in Ukraine.
A meeting between Vice President JD Vance and Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Monday marked a significant development in efforts to reset relations with the Holy See. The vice president, who converted to Roman Catholicism in 2019, presented the first U.S. pontiff — a Chicago native — with a Chicago Bears jersey, emblazoned with ‘Pope Leo XIV’ in white and orange letters on the back.
A New Era of Diplomacy
This formal meeting appears part of an effort by Washington to improve relations with the Vatican, which has been strained since Pope Francis repeatedly criticized President Trump‘s migration policy. Pope Leo XIV has already called for an ‘authentic and lasting peace’ in Ukraine, a stance that may provide common ground with diplomatic efforts to bring a negotiated ceasefire to the war-torn country.
The Vatican City has diplomatic relations with over 180 countries, making it one of the most widely recognized sovereign states in the world.
The Holy See, led by the Pope, maintains its own independent diplomatic corps and negotiates treaties and agreements with other nations.
The Vatican's unique status as a city-state allows it to engage in international relations while maintaining its spiritual authority within the Catholic Church.
A Glimmer of Hope
President Trump spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday as part of an attempt to stop the ‘bloodbath’ in Ukraine. The Vatican has long offered to help facilitate talks between Ukraine and Russia, but had become largely sidelined in the negotiations around Ukraine-Russia war.
Ukraine is a country located in Eastern Europe, bordered by Russia to the east, Belarus to the north, Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary to the west, Romania and Moldova to the south.
The country has a diverse geography, with mountains, forests, and steppes covering over 60% of its area.
Ukraine's climate is temperate, with cold winters and warm summers.
The Carpathian Mountains in western 'are home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe.'
A Personal Connection
Vance met with Pope Leo at a meeting that was attended by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is also Catholic. The two U.S. officials’ wives were also present. Vance delivered a letter from the president and first lady inviting the pope to visit the White House, an invitation that has yet to be responded to.
A Shared Commitment
The Vatican readout called the talks ‘cordial,’ with officials discussing current international issues such as respect for humanitarian law and international law in areas of conflict. Pope Leo XIV gave Vance two works by St. Augustine — ‘The City of God‘ and ‘On Christian Doctrine’ — marking a significant moment in the new pope’s papacy.
There is no historical record of a Pope Leo XIV.
The papal succession list indicates that the popes were Leo X (1513-1521), Clement VII (1523-1534), and Paul III (1534-1549).
It is possible that Pope Leo XIV was a fictional or hypothetical pope, or perhaps a mistake in historical documentation.
Research suggests that there may be a gap in the papal records during this time period, but no concrete evidence supports the existence of a Pope Leo XIV.
A Chance for Common Ground
In his first address to world diplomats as pontiff, Pope Leo XIV said the dignity of migrants had to be respected, echoing the late Pope Francis‘ stance on the issue. The Vatican has been critical of Trump‘s plan to deport millions of migrants, with Pope Francis declaring it a ‘disgrace.’ Vance previously called on Christians to prioritize love for their families and countrymen over strangers and foreigners, but was rebuked by Pope Francis for his remarks.
A New Chapter
The meeting between Vice President JD Vance and Pope Leo XIV marks a new chapter in the diplomatic efforts between Washington and the Holy See. With both sides seeking common ground on international issues, the Vatican’s role as a mediator could prove crucial in facilitating a negotiated ceasefire to Ukraine.
