In a significant diplomatic gesture, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump have now reportedly extended an invitation to Pope Leo XIV to visit the White House.
The announcement came from Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt during a press briefing on Monday morning.
Leavitt’s remarks followed Vice President JD Vance’s recent meeting with the Pope in Rome, where he also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
“My understanding was it was a good meeting, a productive meeting,” Leavitt stated, expressing gratitude for the Vice President’s efforts, which included attending the Pope’s first mass in Rome.
During this meeting, Vance conveyed a letter from both the President and the First Lady, inviting the Pope to come to Washington “as soon as he possibly can.”
The Vice President’s engagement with the Pope lasted approximately 45 minutes and included discussions on various topics of mutual interest.
Vance’s visit to the Vatican was marked by a cordial exchange of gifts.
He presented the Pope with a Chicago Bears jersey emblazoned with “Pope Leo XIV,” a nod to the pontiff’s American heritage. Additionally, he gifted the Pope two significant works by St. Augustine: The City of God and On Christian Doctrine.
Vance, who chose St. Augustine as his patron saint upon his conversion to Catholicism, noted the importance of the Pope being the first from the Order of St. Augustine.
The meeting was not limited to Vance and the Pope; Secretary of State Marco Rubio joined them afterward, contributing to broader discussions that included Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.
Topics explored during these discussions ranged from religious freedom and the persecution of Christians globally to a shared commitment to address violence in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Earlier, Vice President Vance met with President Zelensky, where they discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the pursuit of a ceasefire. According to the Vice President’s office, their talks focused on the urgent need to end bloodshed and establish a lasting peace.
As the invitation to Pope Leo XIV signals a potential strengthening of U.S.-Vatican relations, it also reflects the Trump administration’s ongoing interest in international diplomacy, particularly concerning humanitarian issues.
The proposed visit could further enhance dialogue on pressing global challenges, including those related to religious freedom and conflict resolution.
In a politically charged atmosphere, the invitation represents more than a ceremonial gesture; it underscores the Trump administration’s engagement with religious leadership in addressing moral and ethical dimensions of global conflicts.
As the world watches, the response from the Vatican and the timing of any potential visit remain critical points of interest.
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