"Trump’s Vatican Reset? Vance’s Visit to Pope Leo Signals New Chapter in U.S.-Holy See Relations"
Update News May 17,2025,11:13 ET
Vance Heads to Rome for Pope Leo XIV's Inauguration, Signaling New Chapter in U.S.-Vatican Relations
Vice President JD Vance witnessed the end of one papacy and will now be present at the beginning of another. Less than a month after his Easter Sunday visit with Pope Francis—just days before the pontiff’s death—Vance is returning to Rome for the May 18 inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV.
The event, described by Vatican News as a “solemn liturgy,” marks the official start of Leo XIV’s papacy. Vance will attend alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio, their spouses, and global leaders, as more than 100,000 pilgrims converge on the Vatican.
For the Trump administration, the trip also presents an opportunity to reset relations with the Holy See, which were strained during Pope Francis’ tenure.
A Fraught History
Tensions between Trump and Francis began early. In 2016, the pope criticized then-candidate Trump’s border wall proposal, saying, “A person who only thinks about building walls… is not a Christian.” Trump shot back, calling the remark “disgraceful.”
The divide persisted through issues like immigration and climate change. Francis condemned Trump’s mass deportation plans and championed environmental action—something Trump famously dismissed as a “hoax.”
Whether Trump will find common ground with Pope Leo XIV remains uncertain. Though Leo is the first American-born pope—a native of Chicago—his early messages suggest continuity with Francis’ progressive stance on migration and social justice.
A Complicated Introduction
Leo XIV has not shied away from past criticism of Trump and Vance. On social media, he previously shared articles questioning Trump’s immigration policies and Vance’s religious rhetoric. One shared headline read: “JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.”
“There’s a longstanding disagreement between Vice President Vance and the papacy about how to interpret Catholic teaching,” said Duke theology professor Peter Casarella.
Still, both Trump and Vance have offered public congratulations. Vance posted on May 8: “I’m sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church. May God bless him!”
The White House also downplayed Leo’s past posts. “It was a surprise,” said Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, “but it’s a great thing for the U.S. and the world. We’re praying for him.”
Faith, Politics, and 2028
Vance and Rubio—two of the most prominent Catholics in Trump’s inner circle—are seen as natural envoys for the administration. But the trip comes with political subtext: both are considered top contenders for the 2028 GOP presidential nomination.
Trump recently fueled speculation, naming both men as possible successors. But Vance brushed aside rivalry rumors. “Marco’s probably my best friend in the administration,” he said. “He’s doing a really good job.”
Their shared presence in Rome underscores the dual role they play: representatives of faith and politics. “This is an old story,” said Casarella. “Catholic politicians expressing their faith—and it could be a prelude to something coming.”
Looking Ahead
As the first pope from the United States, Leo XIV is expected to visit his home country during his early years in the papacy. That trip, and how Leo engages with U.S. politics, will be closely watched—especially as Trump gears up for re-election.
For Vance, the Rome visit continues a series of high-profile foreign stops, including Greenland and Munich. But this one—steeped in symbolism and faith—may resonate far beyond international diplomacy.
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