US vice president meets with Pope Leo at Vatican

Following his private audience with the American-born Pope, Vance met with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations, according to Vatican News.

During the "cordial" discussions at the Secretariat of State, Vance and Archbishop Gallagher reaffirmed the Holy See's strong bilateral relations with the US.

They also discussed the Church's cooperation with the US administration, as well as various issues "of special relevance to ecclesial life and religious freedom."

“Finally, there was an exchange of views on some current international issues, during which hope was expressed that humanitarian law and international law be respected in areas of conflict and that there be a negotiated solution between the parties involved,” the statement said.

Vance and Rubio represented the US at Pope's inaugural mass at the Vatican. Rubio's participation at the ceremony came after his intense diplomatic tour in Türkiye last week over Ukraine-Russia talks.