May 19 (UPI) -- Pope Leo XIV met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday.
Vance and Rubio held a private audience with Leo before they joined in talks with him and the Vatican's Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher.
The Vatican described the Monday talks as "cordial" and said the trio discussed topics "of special relevance to ecclesial life and religious freedom" and how the Catholic Church can work together with the Trump administration.
"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," the Vatican said.
The meeting came after Vance and Rubio attended Leo's inaugural homily at the Vatican on Sunday.
