United States President Donald Trump has extended an invitation to Pope Leo XIV to visit the White House.
Vice President JD Vance personally delivered a letter from President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump to the newly inaugurated pontiff on Monday.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the delivery, stating that the president hopes the visit will occur as soon as possible.
“The vice president passed along a letter to the pope from the president and from the First Lady,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, made history as the first American to ascend to the papacy. He was elected following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, who passed away at the age of 88 due to a stroke followed by heart failure.
Pope Francis had served as the head of the Catholic Church for over 12 years, known for his humility and progressive stances on various social issues.
The inauguration of Pope Leo XIV took place on May 18, 2025, at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, drawing approximately 200,000 attendees, including numerous world leaders and dignitaries.
During his inaugural Mass, Pope Leo XIV emphasized unity within the Church and a commitment to addressing modern challenges while honoring traditional values. He also pledged to continue the legacy of Pope Francis, focusing on social justice, poverty alleviation, and environmental protection.
Vice President Vance’s meeting with Pope Leo XIV marks a notable moment in U.S.-Vatican relations, especially considering the Pope’s American origins and the shared interests in global issues such as peace, migration, and interfaith dialogue.
