US Vice President Vance Attends Vatican Mass for Pope Leo XIV

Vice President J.D. Vance, a Catholic convert and one of the highest-ranking Catholics in U.S. political office, recently made two visits to the Vatican, including attending the inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pope. Vance met with the late Pope Francis shortly before his death, an encounter that sparked widespread online speculation and memes, especially as Vance and Pope Leo XIV have been associated with differing views on "America first" policies and Christian priorities. At the Mass, Pope Leo XIV delivered a homily condemning hatred, violence, prejudice, and economic exploitation, implicitly critiquing Vance's worldview. Vance led the U.S. delegation alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio and was seated prominently near delegations from Italy and Peru, reflecting the significance of this historic papal transition. Social media humor highlighted the contrast between Vance and the new pope, with many joking about Vance's presence at Vatican events following Pope Francis' death. The White House emphasized the historic nature of the visit, underscoring Vance's unique role as the first Catholic convert to serve as vice president and the importance of Pope Leo XIV's election as the first American pope.