Vance Attends Inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV, First American-Born Pope

Vice President JD Vance attended the inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City on May 18, 2025. Pope Leo XIV—born Robert Prevost in Chicago—was elected by the College of Cardinals following Pope Francis' death on April 21; he is the first American-born pope in Catholic history. Vance's attendance represented the U.S. government's formal recognition of the new pontiff and the administration's investment in Vatican diplomatic relations.