Vice President JD Vance will travel to Rome this weekend to represent the United States at the inaugural mass of Pope Leo XIV, the newly elected head of the Catholic Church and the first American to ever ascend to the papacy. The ceremony will be held Sunday in Vatican City.
Vance, a Catholic convert and outspoken advocate for faith and tradition in public life, will be accompanied by his wife, Usha Vance.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his wife, Jeanette, will also join the U.S. delegation—a clear sign of the significance the administration places on America’s spiritual and cultural connections to the Catholic Church.
A Historic Moment in Church and U.S. History
The selection of Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV on May 8 represents a major turning point in Church history. His elevation marks the first time an American has ever held the highest spiritual office in global Christianity.
The rapid conclusion of the papal conclave, just weeks after the passing of Pope Francis, underscores the unity and decisiveness within the College of Cardinals during a time of transition.
In a statement following the election, Vance praised the decision: “Congratulations to Leo XIV, the first American Pope, on his election! I’m sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church. May God bless him!”
Vance’s Final Visit with Pope Francis
Vice President Vance holds the distinction of being the last foreign leader to meet with Pope Francis before the pontiff’s death. Their private meeting took place just a day before Francis passed away on April 21, one day after Easter Sunday, following a winter marked by serious health challenges.
Reflecting on the encounter, Vance shared a heartfelt message on social media: “I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him. I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful. May God rest his soul.”
I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him.
— JD Vance (@JDVance) April 21, 2025
I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days…
Pope Francis was widely recognized for his outreach and humanitarian message, though his papacy was also marked by controversy and internal debate over doctrine, cultural values, and the future of the Church. His passing closed a chapter that many viewed as turbulent yet consequential.
Symbolism and Policy
The presence of high-ranking American officials—including both Vance and Rubio—at Pope Leo XIV’s mass symbolizes the close relationship between faith and American civic life.
Both leaders have made public their commitment to religious freedom, the importance of the family, and Judeo-Christian values—ideals that remain central to many American voters.
This visit also comes at a time when traditional faith communities are reasserting themselves globally, amid cultural and political shifts. The election of an American pope could re-energize Catholic engagement in the U.S., particularly among conservatives who have long felt sidelined within both political and religious institutions.
What Comes Next
Vice President Vance’s presence in Rome is not just ceremonial; it marks a moment of renewed American influence in one of the world’s oldest institutions. As Pope Leo XIV begins his leadership, all eyes will be on how he balances the global Church’s diverse needs with the expectations of millions of faithful Americans.
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