On May 18, 2025, U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance attended the inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City. The ceremony marked the formal commencement of Pope Leo XIV’s papacy, following his election as the first American-born pope. The event drew approximately 200,000 attendees, including numerous global leaders and dignitaries. People.com+6OSV News –+6Catholic Review+6WBFF+6TAG24+6Vanity Fair+6Vanity Fair+3Wikipedia+3Reuters+3
Vice President Vance led the U.S. delegation, accompanied by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and their spouses. Both Vance and Rubio, practicing Catholics, represented the United States at this significant religious occasion. Usha Vance adhered to traditional Vatican protocol by wearing a black ensemble, symbolizing respect and modesty. WBFF+12ABC7 Chicago+12Reuters+12WPTV News Channel 5 West Palm+8WBFF+8Catholic News Agency+8People.com
The Mass featured the bestowal of the pallium and the Ring of the Fisherman upon Pope Leo XIV, symbolizing his new role as the Bishop of Rome. In his homily, the Pope addressed global issues, calling for peace in conflict zones such as Ukraine and Gaza, and denouncing hatred, violence, and economic exploitation. Wikipedia+1Wikipedia+1Vanity Fair
Following the Mass, Vice President Vance and Secretary Rubio had a private audience with Pope Leo XIV. The discussions focused on international conflicts, religious freedom, and humanitarian concerns. The Vatican described the meetings as “cordial,” noting an exchange of views on current international issues. Catholic Review+2OSV News –+2Forbes+2El País+2Reuters+2The Daily Beast+2The Daily Beast+1Reuters+1
During the meeting, Vice President Vance extended an invitation to Pope Leo XIV to visit the White House. As a gesture of goodwill, Vance presented the Pope with a personalized Chicago Bears jersey, reflecting the Pope’s Chicago roots, and a text by St. Augustine, acknowledging their shared spiritual inspiration. In return, Pope Leo XIV gifted a sculpture symbolizing peace. TAG24+2The Daily Beast+2The Guardian+2The Guardian
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, is notable for being the first pope from the Order of Saint Augustine and the first to hold dual citizenship in the United States and Peru. His papacy is expected to focus on issues such as immigration, environmental protection, and social justice, areas where his views may diverge from those of the current U.S. administration. ABC7 Chicago+4Wikipedia+4The Guardian+4The Daily Beast
The attendance of Vice President Vance and other global leaders at the inaugural Mass underscores the significance of Pope Leo XIV’s election and the potential for renewed dialogue between the Vatican and international governments on pressing global issues
