Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration mass was held this Sunday, and he came in his popemobile to greet everyone. He was met with applause and cheer while the basilica bells tolled in celebration. Everyone was witnessing history being made as the first-ever American pope was a part of the inauguration mass.
Billions of Catholics across the globe witnessed the start of his role at the Catholic church. More than 150 royals and world leaders attended the event at the Vatican. The formal inauguration of the new church started with thousands of people greeting the new pope at St. Peter’s Square.
Pope Leo even interacted with a few people. One of these was a baby he blessed among his supporters. People are naturally drawn to his kind face and what he stands for as a conservative Christian.
The attendees included Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, JD Vance, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The VP came along with his wife and SLOTUS, Usha Vance.
Pope Leo XIV held a private audience with US Vice President @JDVance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio @SecRubio, who attended the Inauguration Mass of his pontificate. pic.twitter.com/FqWqOIhTJe
— EWTN News (@EWTNews) May 19, 2025
As the cameras were constantly on the duo, they were captured in an intimate moment. Maybe the two got too comfortable at the event. The two were constantly chatting during the mass. And ended up sharing a kiss. This put all the attention and spotlight on the couple, even at such a huge event.
This is so sweet. US VP JD Vance seen kissing his wife SLOTUS Usha at Holy Mass for Pope Leo XIV in St. Peter’s square in The Vatican. pic.twitter.com/W56usjVhw7
— Liana ❤️ 🇺🇸 (@lianan) May 18, 2025
People had mixed reactions to the two, out of which many were positive. Netizens found this gesture to be sweet. One X user posted how adorable they looked together, still in love. The two have been married and are supportive of each other.
Those who did not have anything nice to say were focused on how this could be a planned moment to make the two look normal. Ever since JD Vance took the VP role, Usha has embraced the role of SLOTUS while her own career has taken a back seat. She is supporting her husband and being present on all such occasions. She even changed her whole style and wardrobe to fit the role.
MUST SEE!!!
U.S. Vice-President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance meet Pope Leo XIV in Rome today for the first time during his installation Mass. pic.twitter.com/QEaLgKC4J8
— Conservative Brief (@ConservBrief) May 18, 2025
The VP’s presence at the inauguration also seems strategic, as there have been rifts between the Trump administration and the pope. Even at Pope Francis’ funeral, Trump was slammed for his blue outfit and being on his phone too much. Besides, the Trump administration’s views on immigrants do not align with the pope’s and the church’s views. According to Catholics, the religion is all about loving one’s neighbor and helping the needy.
The clash did not end with the last pope’s demise. Even Pope Leo clarified how he considers the Vice President being wrong. He further said that Jesus does not stand with ranking love for others. Pope Leo is all about unifying the divided public and working towards a collective goal.
For Trump, Pope Leo commented that he cannot see the suffering he’s causing. JD Vance at the inauguration may start a fresh relationship between the administration and the church. We’ll have to see how that plays out over the months.
