On May 19, 2025, U.S. Vice President JD Vance extended a formal invitation to Pope Leo XIV to visit the United States, delivering a personal letter from President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump during a meeting at the Vatican. The meeting, which also included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, took place in the Apostolic Palace and marked the first official encounter between the American-born pope and the Trump administration.

During the 45-minute meeting, Vance presented Pope Leo XIV with symbolic gifts, including a customized Chicago Bears football jersey bearing the name "Pope Leo" and the number "XIV," honoring the pontiff's Chicago roots. Additionally, Vance, a convert to Catholicism, gifted the pope with copies of St. Augustine's seminal works, "The City of God" and "On Christian Doctrine."

The discussions between the U.S. delegation and Vatican officials focused on pressing international issues, notably the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Both parties emphasized the importance of respecting humanitarian and international law and expressed a shared commitment to pursuing negotiated solutions to global conflicts.

Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, has been an outspoken advocate for peace and social justice. Since his election on May 8, he has called for an end to violence in conflict zones and has offered the Vatican as a potential venue for peace negotiations. His stance on issues such as immigration has previously contrasted with the Trump administration's policies, highlighting the significance of this diplomatic engagement.

The invitation to the White House signifies a potential warming of relations between the Vatican and the U.S. government. While the Vatican has not yet confirmed whether Pope Leo XIV will accept the invitation, the meeting underscores the importance of dialogue and collaboration in addressing global challenges.