During a three-day diplomatic trip to Rome, Vice President JD Vance engaged with various world leaders and attended the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, who he views as a pivotal partner in U.S. efforts to mediate international conflicts, particularly the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions in Israel and Gaza. In an interview, Vance expressed optimism about the pope’s desire for peace and highlighted their discussion on humanitarian law and the urgency of negotiations in conflict zones.
Vance, a Catholic and ally of former President Trump, found the pope to be warm and receptive, signaling a potential shift in dialogue considering the pope’s previous disapproval of Trump administration policies. This newfound rapport is seen as vital for U.S.-Vatican relations going forward, with Vance hoping this partnership could result in reduced global conflicts and humanitarian crises.
Additionally, Vance’s role emphasizes a broader foreign policy mandate within Trump’s administration, as he visited numerous leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, amid rising tensions in Europe. He praised Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for her diplomatic skills, noting her ability to listen and communicate directly.
The trip was initially intended to be low-profile but evolved into a series of critical meetings as global leaders gathered in Rome. Despite speculation of rivalry with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Vance described a strong partnership, emphasizing their collaborative efforts for U.S. foreign policy.
Conclusively, Vance’s diplomatic engagements underscore the increasing significance of his role within the administration and the potential influence of the new pope on global peace initiatives.
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