US Vice President JD Vance Meets with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican
On Monday, United States Vice President JD Vance had an important meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, as confirmed by the Holy See. The meeting was attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the wives of both officials.
The discussion highlighted the strong bilateral relationship between the Holy See and the United States, with Vance also engaging with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican's Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations. Their cordial talks reaffirmed the commitment to collaborate on various issues, particularly in relation to ecclesiastical life and the vital topic of religious freedom.
According to the Holy See Press Office, alongside the focus on bilateral relations, Vance and Gallagher addressed global matters, emphasizing the importance of adhering to humanitarian law and international law in conflict zones. They acknowledged the need for a negotiated resolution to current disputes, thus encouraging respect for all parties involved.
Vice President Vance and Secretary Rubio were prominent figures at the inauguration of the American pontiff held in Saint Peter's Square on the preceding Sunday.
Additionally, Vice President Vance had a significant meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his visit to Rome. This meeting was strategically timed ahead of a scheduled phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, as well as a trilateral discussion with Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
This series of high-profile meetings underscores the United States' ongoing diplomatic engagements in Europe and its deeper commitment to addressing international issues of significance.
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