President Donald Trump has formally extended a White House invitation to Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, in what is being described as a historic moment in U.S.-Vatican relations.
The invitation was delivered in person by Vice President JD Vance during a private meeting at the Vatican on May 19. In a warm gesture of diplomacy and shared faith, Vance handed the pontiff a personal letter from President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, inviting Pope Leo to visit the White House “as soon as he possibly can come.”
Sources close to the meeting say the discussion between Vance and Pope Leo lasted about 45 minutes and touched on a range of topics, including the global humanitarian situation and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Both leaders reportedly expressed a mutual desire for peace and emphasized the importance of faith, family, and moral leadership on the world stage.
In a nod to Pope Leo’s Chicago roots, Vice President Vance presented him with a Chicago Bears jersey customized with “Pope Leo XIV” on the back—a symbolic gift that drew smiles and underscored the pope’s distinctly American background. Vance, a Catholic himself, also gifted two works by St. Augustine in recognition of Pope Leo’s affiliation with the Augustinian order.
Pope Leo, while noncommittal on the exact date of a visit, responded positively to the invitation, signaling that a future visit to Washington is likely.
The gesture comes at a time when the Trump administration continues to emphasize America’s spiritual and cultural foundations. Trump has frequently spoken about the importance of religious liberty and has championed the role of faith in public life. A papal visit would mark a rare and powerful moment of unity between the White House and the Vatican under a shared appreciation for Christian values.
This invitation stands as more than just diplomatic protocol—it’s a statement of common ground between two global leaders who, despite different roles, are seen by many as standard-bearers of tradition, sovereignty, and moral clarity in uncertain times. A meeting between Trump and Pope Leo at the White House would be the first of its kind and is already generating anticipation around the world.
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