White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Vance passed a long a letter to the pope from President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump “extending their warm wishes and inviting him to the White House as soon as he possibly can” visit.

The talks took place as some on the American right who had clashed with Pope Francis, Leo’s predecessor, seek better ties with the papacy.

Vice President JD Vance gifted Pope Leo a Bears jersey as they met at the Vatican, amid a push by the White House for a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire.