vice President JD Vance met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, presenting him with a Chicago Bears jersey and a White House invitation from President Trump.
At a Glance
- Vice President JD Vance met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on May 19, 2025
- Vance gifted the pope a personalized Chicago Bears jersey
- A letter from President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump invited the pope to the White House
- Discussions included global conflicts, religious freedom, and humanitarian issues
- The meeting aimed to strengthen U.S.-Vatican relations amid past tensions
A Symbolic Gift and an Invitation
During a private audience at the Vatican, Vice President JD Vance presented Pope Leo XIV with a custom Chicago Bears jersey bearing the name “Pope Leo XIV” and the number 14. The gesture honored the pope’s Chicago roots—he was born in the city and raised in the suburb of Dolton. Upon receiving the jersey, Pope Leo smiled and responded, “Good choice,” acknowledging the thoughtfulness of the gift, as reported by ABC7 Chicago.
Vance also delivered a formal letter from President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, extending an invitation for the pope to visit the White House. The letter emphasized a desire for renewed diplomatic ties and religious cooperation, according to coverage from NPR.
Accompanying the vice president were Second Lady Usha Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The 40-minute meeting included additional gifts: two books by St. Augustine from Vance and a bronze bas-relief sculpture from the pope inscribed with the words, “Peace is a fragile flower,” as noted by the USCCB.
Watch a report: JD Vance meets Pope Leo XIV, gives him Chicago Bears jersey at Vatican.
Addressing Global Challenges
Discussions between the Vatican and the U.S. delegation included pressing global concerns such as the war in Ukraine, religious persecution, and humanitarian law. Pope Leo expressed optimism about expanded cooperation on these issues. After the papal audience, Vance met with Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s chief diplomat, to further explore shared priorities, as detailed by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Rubio emphasized the importance of moral clarity in foreign policy, aligning with Vatican concerns over human dignity and peace. Both sides agreed on the need for more structured collaboration on matters affecting vulnerable communities worldwide.
A New Chapter in U.S.-Vatican Relations
Although Pope Leo XIV has previously voiced criticisms of Trump-era immigration policies, the tone of this meeting was overwhelmingly constructive. The pope’s engagement with Vance, a recent Catholic convert, signaled openness to deepening dialogue. As The Washington Post noted, this marks a diplomatic thaw following months of mutual skepticism.
The exchange of gifts and frank discussion reflect a promising chapter in U.S.-Vatican relations. As global crises test international alliances, meetings like these reaffirm the role of moral diplomacy in shaping shared global futures.
