Pope Leo XIV, a U.S. citizen who as a cardinal criticised the Trump administration's hard-line immigration policies, met at the Vatican on Monday with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who converted to Roman Catholicism as an adult.

Italians — and Romans in particular — have had mixed responses to the so-called “American pope.” Most are cautiously optimistic, taking a wait-and-see approach to the 69-year-old pontiff who grew up in the south suburbs.

As much as Leo has echoed Francis, the first American pope has staked out differences, too. VATICAN CITY — As he has done in every major appearance since being named pope, Leo XIV invoked the name of his predecessor before a massive throng of 150,000 during his first Sunday blessing in St. Peter’s Square.

Pope Leo XIV met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte after his inaugural mass in St. Peter’s square on May 18.

Who was Pope Leo XIII, the man whose name the newly-elected Pope chose? He wasn't what people thought he would be.

Vice President JD Vance met on Monday at the Vatican with Pope Leo XIV, the first leader of the global Catholic Church from the United States, and extended an invitation for Leo to make an official visit home.