The recent meeting at the Vatican took place after Pope Leo XIV stated that the church could serve as a mediator in international conflicts, including the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia. On Friday, Leo's comments set the stage for high-level discussions aimed at fostering peace. Following the pope's inaugural Mass on Sunday, both Leo and the vice president, JD Vance, engaged in private discussions with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine to explore diplomatic avenues for resolution.
After a significant meeting with Pope Leo XIV on Monday, Vice President Vance also had a cordial discussion with Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s foreign minister. According to a statement from the Vatican's press office, their conversations reaffirmed “good bilateral relations.” The discussions focused on pressing international issues, underscoring the importance of respecting humanitarian law and pursuing a negotiated solution to conflicts.
This encounter has generated optimism among some segments of the American right, suggesting a potential reset in relationships with the Holy See. This comes after years of friction with Pope Francis, Leo's predecessor, who openly criticized aspects of President Trump's policies, labeling them as “not Christian.” Pope Francis often clashed with Republican priorities, notably on immigration issues, while finding common ground with Democrats on environmental concerns and the Iran nuclear deal.
During the meeting, Vice President Vance presented Pope Leo XIV with a personalized Chicago Bears jersey emblazoned with “Pope Leo XIV” and a significant gift: a copy of Saint Augustine’s “City of God.” This fifth-century text holds personal significance for Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019. The initial one-on-one discussion in the Apostolic Palace eventually included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, their spouses, and the larger U.S. delegation.
The Vatican statement emphasized the discussions on the collaboration between Church and State while addressing key issues related to ecclesial life and religious freedom. The significance of unity, highlighted during Pope Leo’s inaugural Mass, resonates with many conservative American Catholics who appreciate his missionary approach and pragmatic governance.
On the international front, Donald Trump expressed hope for a ceasefire in Ukraine through a post on his social media platform, “Truth Social.” Meanwhile, Dmitri S. Peskov, a spokesperson for President Putin, acknowledged the U.S.’s diplomatic efforts in a planned call with Trump, which reflects the ongoing attempts by both Russia and Ukraine to engage U.S. leadership.
Over the weekend, violence escalated, with Russian forces launching drone strikes that killed civilians in Ukraine. This raised questions about the viability of Trump’s negotiation efforts, as he had previously criticized such attacks. Despite the ongoing military engagements, both Russia and Ukraine seem to believe they can wait out the conflict.
The upcoming call between Trump and Putin will be closely monitored to see if it leads to an in-person meeting. Trump has often claimed that only his negotiating skills could resolve the Ukraine conflict, signaling openness to direct discussions with the Russian president. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been actively engaging with European leaders to push for an unconditional ceasefire.
Recent discussions between Russian and Ukrainian representatives have led to agreements on prisoner exchanges and outlined conditions for a ceasefire. These developments came after Zelensky met with Vice President Vance and Secretary Rubio in Rome, further enhancing diplomatic relations following previous tensions.
The evolving diplomatic landscape suggests a complex interplay of interests. With Pope Leo XIV advocating for peace and unity, alongside the ongoing efforts of U.S. leaders to negotiate with both Russia and Ukraine, the potential for a resolution to the conflict remains uncertain yet hopeful.
