Vice President JD Vance and First Lady Usha Attend the Inauguration of Pope Leo XIV in Vatican City
In a historic moment for the Catholic Church, Vice President JD Vance and First Lady Usha had the opportunity to meet Pope Leo XIV during his inauguration mass held in the majestic St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday. This event marks a significant chapter as Pope Leo XIV is recognized as the first American Pope.
Pope Leo XIV shakes hands with @VP JD Vance and @SecRubio in St. Peter’s Basilica after Mass, but older brother Louis Prevost gets a hug. pic.twitter.com/BnEKyG0VPJ
— Catholic News Service Rome (@CatholicNewsSvc) May 18, 2025
This brief encounter between Vance and the Pope was recorded by Vatican Media, showcasing the warm exchange between the two figures.
WATCH:
Vice President JD Vance meets Pope Leo XIV
— ALX (@alx) May 18, 2025
Having embraced Catholicism in 2019, Vice President Vance’s faith has played a significant role in his public life. His presence at this momentous occasion emphasizes the intertwining of personal belief and political duty.
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, a Catholic convert, is seen kneeling in prayer at the Vatican. He is currently in Italy with his wife, Usha, to attend the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, scheduled for tomorrow.
Image: JD Vance pic.twitter.com/XnjMGGJW9P
— Sachin Jose (@Sachinettiyil) May 17, 2025
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his wife also participated in the U.S. delegation to the inaugural mass, further emphasizing the political significance of this religious milestone.
Notably, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who does not identify as Catholic, was also present at the event. His attendance is particularly interesting given his previous interactions with Vance during a contentious visit to the White House.
Zelensky and Vance met for the first time since their legendary clash at the White House — and shook hands
What do you think they said to each other?
Was it free of jabs and dress code criticism this time? pic.twitter.com/QMBN8aZPGC— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) May 18, 2025
Interestingly, Zelenskyy opted for a casual attire once again, eschewing the formal suit expected at such an occasion, which has sparked discussions about the appropriateness of his choices in high-profile settings.
In a poignant moment, Daily Wire writer Mary Margaret Olahan observed that Vice President Vance appeared to don a Vatican tie, a gift from Pope Francis, just a day before the late pontiff’s passing. This detail adds a layer of emotional resonance to the event.
As he visits the tomb of Pope Francis, Vice President Vance appears to be wearing the Vatican tie that Pope Francis gifted him less than 24 hours before he died. https://t.co/1NsLYIfMZR pic.twitter.com/bELm9LjgX9
— Mary Margaret Olohan (@MaryMargOlohan) May 18, 2025
