Pope Leo XIV has received his official White House invitation. The newly elected official met with Vice President JD Vance earlier today, with the latter presenting him with some gifts and the two posing for a few official photos together.
Upon first meeting, Vance handed the Pope a few gifts, including a jersey of the Chicago Bears with the words "Pope Leo XIV" engraved in the back. The team represents the city where the Pope was born.
"Good choice," said the Pope, according to the USCCB.
"The United States people are extremely excited about you," said Vance, prompting an "Oh" in acknowledgement from the Pope.
Vance also gave Leo two works by St. Augustine: "The City of God" and "On Christian Doctrine." The Pope gave Vance two presents: a picture book about the papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace, and a sculpture that read "Peace is a fragile flower" in Italian.
The encounter marks the first official meeting between the Pope and Washington, and hopes to create a more positive relationship than the one that existed between President Trump's administration and the late Pope Francis, who was critical of some of Trump's decisions.
The Pope received an invitation to the White House
Vance delivered a letter to the Pope from President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, inviting him officially to the White House, reported press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Vance's visit to the Vatican included other members of Trump's administration, like Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and their wives, Usha Vance and Jeanette Rubio. The group attended Pope Leo's inaugural mass on Sunday.
According to the Vatican, the meeting between Vance and the Pope was "cordial," with the two discussing various relevant topics.
"There was an exchange of views on some current international issues, calling for respect for humanitarian law and international law in areas of conflict and for a negotiated solution between the parties involved," said a Vatican statement.