WASHINGTON −Pope Leo XIVmet privately with Vice PresidentJD Vance, Secretary of StateMarco Rubioand their wives,the Vatican announced May 19. Vance, thefirst Catholic convert to serve as vice president, and Rubio led a delegation as the first U.S.-born leader of the church formallyassumed his role with a Mass May 18in St. Peter's Square attended by tens of thousands of people, including dozens of world leaders. After the private meeting, Vance met with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican's secretary for relations with states and international organizations, to discuss religious freedom and collaboration between the Catholic church and U.S. government. "Finally, there was an exchange of views on some current international issues, during which hope was expressed that humanitarian law and international law be respected in areas of conflict and that there be a negotiated solution between the parties involved," according to the Holy See's press office. Vancemet with the late Pope Francison April 20,less than 24 hours before the pope diedfollowing a weeks-long battle with double pneumonia and other health issues. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Pope Leo meets with VP Vance and Secretary of State Rubio
