Pope Leon XIV meets US representatives, JD Vance and Marco Rubio

Pope Leoni XIV held a private meeting with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday, the Holy See Press Office suggested.

The meeting, which came a day after the inauguration ceremony of the new American-born pope from which two US representatives also attended.

In a statement, the Holy See told them that both sides had expressed satisfaction with relations between the US and Vatican during face-to-face talks Monday. Among them was discussed religious freedom and co-operation between the church and the state, attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

“S recently, there was an exchange of views on current international issues with a common call for respect to humanitarian and international law in conflict areas, as well as support for negotiated solutions between the parties involved” said in the statement.

The papal audience lasted 45 minutes, Vance's spokesman said. It developed with closed doors without the presence of journalists.

After private audience with the American-born Pope, Mr. Vance met with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary of Relations with the States and International Organisations.

On Sunday, Vance said the United States was a very proud “” for Chicago-born pope. “Of course, our prayers go with him as he begins this very important task”, the vice president said.