Pope Leo XIV has held "cordial" talks with US Vice-President JD Vance, according to the Vatican. It comes a day after Vance - a practicing Catholic - joined other dignitaries and thousands of worshipers at the Pope's inaugural mass on Sunday.

Tens of thousands came to St. Peter’s Square to mark the official start of the pontificate of the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church. Vice President JD Vance was among the dignitaries who attended.

Pope Leo XIV spurned JD Vance on Sunday, offering him a quick greeting after his inaugural mass while holding extensive private meetings with other world leaders. The first American pope shook Vance’s hand during a brief,