Vance delivered a letter from President Trump and First Lady Melania, inviting the Pope to visit “as soon as possible.” The Holy See expressed satisfaction with US-Vatican relations after the face-to-face on Monday, which also included Vance, a practicing Catholic, attending the Pope’s inaugural Mass. Discussions covered religious freedom, church-state cooperation, and international issues, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio participating. The Holy See noted a shared call for respecting humanitarian and international law in conflict zones, advocating negotiated solutions. The 45-minute closed-door audience included gift exchanges: Vance gave the Pope a Chicago Bears T-shirt and two St. Augustine books, while the Pope presented a bronze sculpture inscribed “peace is a fragile flower” and an illustrated book about the papal apartments. Vance also met with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, responsible for Holy See diplomatic relations. (BBC)