Pope Leo XIV and U.S. Vice President JD Vance are meeting ahead of a flurry of U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to make progress on a ceasefire in Ukraine.

The Trump administration seeks to improve ties, by working together on resolving the war in Ukraine and de-emphasizing disagreements over U.S. migrant policy.

After attending Pope Leo XIV’s installation Mass, US Vice President JD Vance Monday had private meetings with the pontiff and other top-ranking officials, with key themes being religious freedom and the need for negotiation in conflict areas.