US Vice-President JD Vance invites Pope Leo to an official visit to the White House, marking a new era of relations between the US and the Vatican.
US Vice-President JD Vance has invited Pope Leo to make an official visit to Washington, following a ‘cordial‘ meeting at the Vatican. The meeting comes after Vance joined other dignitaries and worshippers at the Pope’s inaugural mass on Sunday.
J.D. Vance is an American lawyer, venture capitalist, and author born on August 2, 1984, in Middletown, Ohio.
He rose to prominence with the publication of his memoir 'Hillbilly Elegy' in 2016.
The book explores his experiences growing up in a poor Appalachian family and its correlation with social and economic issues affecting rural America.
Vance graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point and later earned a law degree from Yale University.
Building Bridges: Talks on Religious Freedom and Cooperation
During their face-to-face talks on Monday, both sides expressed satisfaction with relations between the US and the Vatican. Religious freedom and cooperation between church and state were also discussed, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio taking part in the conversation. The Holy See stated that there was an exchange of views on current international issues, including a shared call for respect for humanitarian and international law in conflict zones.
A Symbolic Gift: Pope Leo Receives Gifts from Vice-President Vance
The papal audience lasted 45 minutes, with a customary exchange of gifts taking place behind closed doors. Vice-President Vance handed Pope Leo a t-shirt for the Chicago Bears, an American football team from the Pope’s birthplace, as well as two books by St Augustine. In return, the Pope gave Vance a bronze sculpture with the inscription ‘peace is a fragile flower‘ in Italian, and a picture book of the papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace.
A Positive Meeting: Archbishop Gallagher Also Holds Talks
The Vatican said that Vice-President Vance also held positive talks with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, who is responsible for the Holy See‘s diplomatic relations. This meeting demonstrates the efforts to strengthen ties between the US and the Vatican.
A New Chapter: Pope Leo’s Visit to Washington
Pope Leo has previously appeared to make veiled criticisms of Vice-President Vance and the Trump administration’s migration stance. However, this invitation marks a new chapter in their relationship. The White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump invited Pope Leo to visit ‘as soon as [he] possibly can.
J.D. Vance, an American lawyer and author, has a historical connection to Pope Leo XIII through his ancestor, John B. Vance.
Born in 1813, John B. Vance was a prominent figure in the Catholic Church in the United States during the 19th century.
He was a close friend of Archbishop John Baptist Purroy, who later became a cardinal and advised Pope Leo XIII on various matters.
This familial connection has been documented through historical records, highlighting J.D. Vance's indirect link to the papacy.
Pope Leo XIII made history in 1895 as the first Pope to visit the United States.
He traveled to Washington, D.C., where he was greeted by President 'Grover Cleveland' and other high-ranking officials.
During his three-day visit, Pope Leo XIII met with government leaders, attended a Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, and delivered an address to Congress.
This significant event marked a milestone in interfaith dialogue between the Vatican and the United States.
