Vice President J.D. Vance will head the U.S. delegation to the inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV on Sunday, marking the historic installation of the first American pope. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will join him, Vance’s office said Thursday.
Pope Leo, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago, was elected last week to succeed Pope Francis, who died April 21. While a cardinal, Leo shared posts critical of Trump-era immigration policies and of Vance himself, though the Vatican has not confirmed their authenticity.
War is never inevitable. Weapons can and must fall silent, for they never solve problems but only intensify them. Those who sow peace will endure throughout history, not those who reap victims. Others are not enemies to hate but human beings with whom to speak.
— Pope Leo XIV (@Pontifex) May 14, 2025
The new pope’s selection has stirred debate among Trump supporters, with some accusing Leo of being hostile to conservative values. Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, said he would pray for the pope's success despite past disagreements.
Vance met briefly with Pope Francis on Easter Sunday, just before the late pontiff’s death. The White House has not responded to questions about the new pope's past criticism.
