Social media is having a field day with the seemingly tense exchange.

The US Pontiff, 69, warmly took hold of Vance's hand as he received a series of world leaders at St Peter's Square.

JD Vance and his wife Usha attended the first American pontiff's commencement service in Rome on Sunday, despite Pope Leo's avid criticism of the Trump administration.

Pope Leo XIV met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday.

Social media is having a field day with the seemingly tense exchange.