In a bold move towards strengthening US-Vatican relations, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have extended a huge invitation to Pope Leo XIV to visit Washington.
See the video below!
This invitation delivered to the Vatican by Vice President JD Vance comes despite past criticisms of the Trump administration’s immigration policies by the Pope.
The intention is to bridge gaps between political and religious spheres.
Vice-President JD Vance extended the invitation during a productive meeting at the Vatican.
The meeting, which the White House confirmed, saw a formal letter from President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump delivered to the Pope.
An interesting twist adds a layer of camaraderie to the event. Vance, a Chicago Bears fan, presented the Pope with a team jersey, and in return, the Pope gifted him a bronze sculpture.
These gestures, while symbolic, might signal a thawing in previously tense relations between the two leaders.
JD Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, has often found himself at odds with the Pope over immigration issues.
However, as Christopher White, a Vatican correspondent, said, “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.”
This indicates a focus on mutual understanding, essential for future cooperation.
Pope Leo XIV, once Cardinal Robert Prevost, was born in Chicago, making him the first American pope.
Given this shared connection, Vance expressed pride in his fellow Chicagoan’s papal ascension.
However, the Pope’s previous critical stance on US migration policies, shared on social media, has yet to be addressed by the Vatican, which has not confirmed the authenticity of those posts.
While the Pope has hinted at visiting Peru, where he previously served as a missionary, before the United States, the invitation remains significant.
A potential visit could serve as a pivotal moment in resetting relations and enhancing international cooperation.
The White House highlighted that “current international issues with a shared call for respect for humanitarian and international law in conflict zones” played a major role in their discussions.
As global eyes remain focused on the relationship between the US and the Vatican, Vice-President Vance continues to advocate for stronger connections.
Both sides recognize the importance of this relationship, especially in turbulent times.
Whether the Pope will accept the invitation to Washington remains to be seen, but the groundwork for future dialogue has undeniably been laid.
It’s worth watching this interaction between Pope Leo and JD Vance in full. pic.twitter.com/nC5nwcLFPq
— Christopher Hale (@chrisjollyhale) May 19, 2025
