But Vance is in a unique position compared with recent vice presidents, said Democratic strategist Ashley Etienne, who was communications director to Harris during much of her first year as vice president. Vance’s boss is term-limited by the Constitution, and that gives him a different mandate, she said.

It appears Vice President JD Vance came to the Vatican bearing gifts. On Monday, Vance, a Catholic convert, and Pope Leo XIV met for the first time at the Vatican. This took place ahead of a set of U.S.-led efforts with a focus on making progress on a ceasefire in Russia’s war in Ukraine.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance met on Monday at the Vatican with Pope Leo XIV, the first leader of the global Catholic Church from the United States, and extended an invitation for Leo to make an official visit home.