JD Vance meets Pope Leo at the Vatican, gives him a Chicago Bears jersey

Rome — Pope Leo XIV and Vice President JD Vance met at the Vatican on Monday ahead of a flurry of U.S.-led diplomatic efforts aimed at making progress on a ceasefire in Russia's war in Ukraine. Vance, a Catholic convert, had led the U.S. delegation to the formal Mass opening the pontificate of the first American pope. Joining him at the meeting on Monday was Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is also Catholic, Vance spokesperson Luke Schroeder said.

"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," according to a Vatican statement after their meeting.

There was also a customary exchange of gifts, with Vance presenting the Chicago-born pontiff a Bears jersey bearing the name "Pope Leo" and number "XIV." The pope is also a White Sox fan, his brother confirmed earlier this month.