Vatican City – May 17, 2025 — U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Vatican City this Sunday to attend the inaugural Mass of Pope Leo, the newly elected head of the Roman Catholic Church. The high-profile American delegation underscores the importance the United States places on its diplomatic and spiritual relationship with the Holy See.
Pope Leo, elected earlier this month following the resignation of Pope Francis, is expected to outline his vision for the Catholic Church during the inaugural Mass, a ceremony steeped in tradition and attended by world leaders, religious dignitaries, and thousands of faithful from around the globe.
Vice President Vance, a practicing Catholic, has spoken publicly about the influence of his faith on his political and personal life. His attendance, alongside Secretary Rubio—also a prominent Catholic voice in American politics—reflects the administration’s respect for the global role of the papacy and the Vatican’s influence on issues such as religious freedom, humanitarian aid, and international peace.
“This is a moment of historic significance for Catholics worldwide,” a spokesperson for the vice president said. “The United States is honored to stand in solidarity with the Church and the global community to witness the beginning of Pope Leo’s pontificate.”
The presence of Vance and Rubio signals a continuation of close U.S.–Vatican relations, which span cooperation on migration, climate change, global health, and the protection of religious minorities. Diplomatic observers also note that this visit provides an opportunity for quiet discussions on geopolitical concerns, including conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
Pope Leo, whose selection came after a brief but closely watched conclave, is expected to focus on Church renewal, global unity, and the role of faith in a fractured world. His first homily on Sunday may offer insight into how he plans to navigate the challenges of modern Catholicism, including secularization, internal reform, and political polarization.
The inaugural Mass will be held in St. Peter’s Basilica and is expected to draw tens of thousands of worshippers, along with an international audience tuning in via live broadcast.
VP JD Vance and Marco Rubio Picture on Wikimedia by The White House Media Team
