Rome, May 20 (HS): American Vice President JD Vance met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Monday, presenting him with an official invitation to visit the United States from President Donald Trump and the First Lady. This meeting took place at a time when diplomatic efforts are intensifying regarding a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war, led by the United States.

JD Vance handed over a letter from Trump to the first Pope born in Chicago, to which the Pope responded by placing it on his desk and stating, There will be a time for that. This moment was captured in video footage shared by Vatican media.

Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, also gifted the Pope two famous works of Saint Augustine—“The City of God” and “On Christian Doctrine.” Additionally, he presented a special gift in the form of a Chicago Bears T-shirt with Leo written on it.

Vance told the Pope, As you can imagine, people in America are very excited about you.

In response, Pope Leo XIV gifted the Vice President a bronze statue inscribed with the words, Peace is a fragile flower. He also presented a lavish book of photographs of the Apostolic Palace. He added, Francis didn’t live there, and whether I will be there or not is still undecided.

After this meeting, the Vatican issued a statement saying, There was an exchange of views on internal and international issues, emphasizing the need to adhere to human rights laws and international law in war-torn areas and advocating for resolution through dialogue.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar