U.S. Vice President JD Vance has formally invited Pope Leo to visit Washington, following what officials described as a “cordial and constructive” meeting at the Vatican on Monday. The White House confirmed that Vance delivered a personal letter from President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, inviting the newly appointed pontiff to travel to the U.S. “as soon as [he] possibly can.”

According to a statement released by the Holy See, both parties expressed satisfaction with the current state of U.S.–Vatican relations. The talks covered a range of topics including religious freedom, the role of the Church in public life, and collaboration between religious and governmental institutions. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was also present for portions of the discussions.

The Holy See noted that the meeting included an “exchange of views on current international issues,” with both sides calling for respect for international law and humanitarian principles in conflict zones, and emphasizing the importance of peaceful, negotiated solutions.

The 45-minute private audience was held behind closed doors and was not open to the press. However, a traditional exchange of gifts took place: Vance presented Pope Leo with a customized Chicago Bears t-shirt—honoring the Pope’s birthplace—and two books by St. Augustine. In return, the Pope gifted Vance a bronze sculpture inscribed with the phrase “Peace is a fragile flower” in Italian, as well as a photographic book of the papal apartments in the Apostolic Palace.

Vance also held further diplomatic discussions with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican’s Secretary for Relations with States.

The visit comes just days after Vance, a practicing Catholic, attended Pope Leo’s inaugural Mass alongside other dignitaries and members of the public. Leo, who earlier this month became the first American ever elected as Pope, has occasionally hinted at disagreement with elements of the Trump administration’s policies—particularly on immigration.

Earlier this year, an X (formerly Twitter) account under Pope Leo’s name shared posts critical of proposed mass deportations and re-shared an article titled “JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.” The Vatican has not confirmed whether the account is officially affiliated with the Pope.

Despite the political undercurrents, Vance emphasized U.S. support for the new pontiff, stating, “The United States is very proud of Pope Leo. Certainly, our prayers go with him as he begins this very important work.”