Trump invites Pope Leo XIV to U.S. amid peace talks push
During a meeting at the Vatican, U.S. Vice President JD Vance delivered an invitation from Donald Trump to Pope Leo XIV to visit the United States.
What do you need to know?
- Meeting at the Vatican: Vice President JD Vance met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, where he delivered an invitation from President Donald Trump to visit the U.S.
- Gifts and diplomacy: Vance presented the pope with books by St. Augustine and a Chicago Bears jersey, while the pope gave him a sculpture with the inscription "Peace is a fragile flower."
- International context: The meeting took place as part of U.S. diplomatic efforts aimed at advancing peace talks regarding the conflict in Ukraine.
What were the main topics of the meeting?
During the visit to the Vatican, JD Vance, the U.S. Vice President, gave Pope Leo XIV a letter from President Donald Trump, inviting him to visit the United States.
The meeting was held in the context of American diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine. Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, also presented the pope with two books by St. Augustine and a Chicago Bears jersey with the pope's name on it.
What were the reactions of Pope Leo XIV?
Pope Leo XIV, who is originally from Chicago, accepted the invitation and gifts with a smile, placing the letter on his desk. During the meeting, the pope gave Vance a sculpture with the inscription "Peace is a fragile flower" and an album of photos of the papal apartments. Pope Leo XIV, who assumed office on May 8, emphasized his commitment to peace efforts in Ukraine.
What are the further U.S. diplomatic plans?
After the meeting with the pope, JD Vance continued his diplomatic efforts by meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
