Vatican City: US Vice President JD Vance met with Pope Leo XIV on Monday morning at the Vatican, an event also attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as announced by the Holy See Press Office.

According to Anadolu Agency - English, following his private audience with the American-born Pope, Vice President Vance held discussions with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, who serves as the Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations. These meetings took place within the framework of the Secretariat of State, where both parties reaffirmed the strong bilateral relations between the Holy See and the United States.

The discussions extended to the Church's cooperation with the US administration, touching on issues of particular relevance to ecclesial life and religious freedom. Furthermore, the dialogue included an exchange of views on current international issues. During these discussions, there was an expressed hope for the respect of humanitarian and international law in conflict areas, with a call for negotiated solutions between involved parties.

Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Rubio were present at Pope Leo XIV's inaugural mass at the Vatican. Secretary Rubio's participation in the ceremony followed his recent diplomatic tour in Trkiye, where he engaged in talks concerning the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict.