Pope Leo XIV and US-Vatican Diplomacy: A New Chapter

Pope Leo XIV and US Vice President JD Vance met at the Vatican on Monday, launching a wave of US-led diplomatic initiatives aimed at brokering a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Vance, a Catholic convert who led the US delegation, attended the formal Mass inaugurating the pontificate of the first American pope. He was accompanied by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also a Catholic, according to Vance spokesperson Luke Schroeder.

The meeting highlighted an exchange of perspectives on international issues, stressing the importance of humanitarian and international law in conflict zones and advocating for a negotiated solution, as stated by the Vatican.

(With inputs from agencies.)