WASHINGTON − Pope Leo XIV met privately with Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and their wives, the Vatican announced May 19. Vance, the first Catholic convert to serve as vice president,

The talks took place as some on the American Right who had clashed with Pope Francis, Leo’s predecessor, seek better ties with the papacy.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance has extended an invitation to Pope Leo XIV to visit the United States during a meeting at the Vatican.