Since Pope Leo XIV’s selection, he has made history as the first Pope from America and has reiterated a traditional, Catholic stance on family values. Now in the aftermath of his inauguration mass and his meeting with Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, here are three updates you should know about the new leader of the Vatican.
1. Leo called for love and unity among the Catholic church to be “fishers of men.”
“I was chosen, without any merit of my own, and now, with fear and trembling,” Leo said, according to Vatican News. “I come to you as a brother, who desires to be the servant of your faith and your joy, walking with you on the path of God’s love, for he wants us all to be united in one family.”
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This came with the benediction for Christians to “be fishers of men,” providing the “hope of the Gospel,” in order “so that all may experience God’s embrace.” This is part of Leo’s call for the Catholic church to be “founded on God’s love, a sign of unity, a missionary church…”
2. Leo met with Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
During the pope’s meeting with the two U.S. leaders, the Vatican says that: “There was an exchange of views on some current international issues, calling for respect for humanitarian law and international law in areas of conflict and for a negotiated solution between the parties involved.”
The pope swapped gifts with Vance, with Vance giving Leo writings by St. Augustine, including “The City of God” and “On Christian Doctrine,” according to the AP. Vance also bestowed Leo’s very own custom Chicago Bears T-shirt as well. Leo also gifted Vance a bronze sculpture with the Italian phrase “Peace is a fragile flower” engraved into it along with a large graphic book of the Vatican’s papal apartments located in the Apostolic Palace.
3. Pope Leo was invited to the White House.
While Vance was with Leo, he gave him a letter from the president inviting him to come and visit the White House. Video footage shows Leo stating that he would come “at some point” when Vance handed him the letter, stating how he “wanted to make sure I gave you that letter.”
Vance also told the Pope that he would pray for him, and Leo thanked him for his appearance at the celebration. On X, Vance said he was “humbled and honored to meet Pope Leo XIV.” He also called Leo a “true servant of God.”
I was humbled and honored to meet Pope Leo XIV and lead the presidential delegation to Rome for his inaugural mass. We had a great conversation, and I know he is a true servant of God.
— JD Vance (@JDVance) May 19, 2025
I hope all Americans will join me in praying for the new pope as he begins his ministry. https://t.co/z7Q9J48Sdz
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As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, his initial actions and statements have drawn attention both within the church and on the global stage. His call for unity and evangelism reflects a continued emphasis on traditional Catholic values, while his meetings with U.S. leaders signal a willingness to engage in international dialogue. From addressing humanitarian concerns to accepting an invitation to visit the White House, Pope Leo is navigating the early days of his leadership with a focus on diplomacy, faith and the responsibilities of his new role.
With his tenure unfolding, many will be watching to see how his vision shapes the future of the Catholic Church.
Abby Trivett is content development editor for Charisma Media.
