The meeting also took place after Leo on Friday said the church could act as a mediator in global conflicts, including, his second-in-command said, between Ukraine and Russia.

Vice President JD Vance and his wife, second lady Usha Vance, greeted Pope Leo XIV at his inaugural mass at the Vatican Sunday.

Vice President J.D. Vance presented Pope Leo XIV will a Bears jersey on Monday, and the Chicago area native seemed to like it.