Pope Leo XIV and US VP Vance discuss Church-State ties

• Pope Leo XIV received U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance on Monday at the Vatican, a day after his inauguration.
• The discussions included, among other topics, the cooperation between the Church and the state, as well as religious freedom.
• The exchange of opinions also covered current international issues and the desire for respect for humanitarian law.

Pope Leo XIV, elected at the conclave on May 8, welcomed U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance to an audience. The meeting occurred the day after the pontifical inauguration, which was attended by approximately 250,000 people and 156 delegations, including President Andrzej Duda and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky.

The Vatican expressed satisfaction with the good relations with the U.S. in a published statement, and the talks with Vance concerned cooperation between the Church and the state, and respect for international law. The meeting emphasised the importance of dialogue in resolving conflicts.

Vice President Vance also met with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Holy See's head of diplomacy. Opinions were exchanged on current international topics, emphasising the desire for respect for humanitarian and international law in conflict areas. Both sides expressed a wish to resolve conflicts through negotiation.

During the inauguration, Leo XIV received the pallium and the Fisherman's Ring, symbolising his papal authority. The ceremony took place in St. Peter's Square, and the pope delivered a programmatic homily, emphasising the importance of international cooperation.

The inauguration of Leo XIV's pontificate took place on the 105th anniversary of John Paul II's birth. The pope rode the popemobile for the first time to greet the faithful gathered in the square.