US Vice President to Attend New Pope's First Mass

US Vice President JD Vance to Lead Delegation to Pope Leo's First Mass Vatican City, May 15, 2025 – In a significant development following the passing of Pope Francis, the White House announced that US Vice President JD Vance will lead a high-level delegation to attend the first mass of the newly elected Pope Leo this Sunday, May 18th. The delegation will include Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his wife, Jeannette Rubio. "This is a momentous occasion," a White House spokesperson stated. "The Vice President's presence underscores the importance the United States places on its relationship with the Holy See." The visit is particularly poignant, as Mr. Vance was the last government official to meet with the late Pope Francis before his passing. This adds an extra layer of significance to the upcoming meeting with Pope Leo. The details surrounding the meeting remain somewhat unclear, but the White House confirmed the attendance of the US delegation. The upcoming meeting is expected to be a significant event in the ongoing relationship between the US and the Vatican. It symbolizes the continuity of diplomatic ties and the shared values between the two entities. The presence of the Vice President and the Secretary of State highlights the importance of the event.