JD Vance invites Pope Leo to White House after Vatican talks12 hours ago Share Save Davide Ghiglione BBC News Reporting from Rome Emily Atkinson BBC News Share SaveWatch: Pope Leo greets US Vice-President JD Vance after inaugural MassUS Vice-President JD Vance has invited Pope Leo to make an official visit to Washington following a "cordial" meeting the Vatican, the White House has confirmed. The meeting comes after Vance - a practicing Catholic - joined other dignitaries and worshippers at the Pope's inaugural mass on Sunday. There was a customary exchange of gifts, with Vance handing Pope Leo a t-shirt for the Chicago Bears - an American football team from the Pope's birthplace - complete with his name. The Vatican said Vance also held positive talks with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, who is responsible for the Holy See's diplomatic relations. EPA (Left to right) The vice president's wife, Usha Vance, JD Vance, Pope Leo, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his wife, Jeanette RubioEPA Marco Rubio (left) and JD Vance were photographed laughing with Pope Leo