Featured Image Credit: FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP via Getty Images/FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP via Getty Images
Topics: Pope Leo, Donald Trump, World News, Politics
Chloe Jackson
Topics: Pope Leo, Donald Trump, World News, Politics
Over 150 major leaders and royals from across the world travelled to the Vatican today to witness Pope Leo formally inaugurated into his role at the helm of the Catholic Church, and it looks like US vice president JD Vance had no problem getting settled into the event with his wife.
All eyes are on the the first-ever US pontiff today (18 May) as he takes part in his installation mass, with thousands lining the streets of St Peter's square in Vatican City hoping to get a slice of the historic day.
At about 8.15am, the pontiff was spotted on the open-top popemobile for the first time, addressing the packed-out crowds which lined the streets of St Peter's Square ahead of the event. At one point, he even blessed a baby as his extensive interactions with his supporters drew in comparisons to his late predecessor, Pope Francis.
Meanwhile, a guest list which included the likes of Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio began to filter in and take their seats.
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However, in what will come as a surprise to possibly no one, JD Vance has managed to steal the show after being spotted getting, erm, comfortable with his wife Usha.
At one point, the vice president of the pope's home country could be seen planting a kiss on his wife, drawing in some big reactions from those watching at home who spotted the intimate moment as one called it 'so sweet'.
It comes after his boss Donald Trump sparked huge controversy at Pope Francis' funeral as the US president faced backlash over his outfit choice and for apparently catching a few z's during the event.
But JD Vance's presence at the inauguration today could have a much deeper meaning.
Experts reckon it could set the tone for the relationship between Trump's administration and the Vatican, which had been previously strained as Pope Francis repeatedly clashed with the White House over immigration policy.
That being said, Pope Leo has made his thoughts clear on JD Vance in the past.
For instance, in February, the new pontiff re-posted an article titled 'JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others.'
Trump hasn't got off lightly, either.
Back in April, after the POTUS' meeting with El Salvador President Nayib Bukele about deporting and jailing US citizens abroad, Pope Leo re-posted a comment that included: "Do you not see the suffering? Is your conscience not disturbed?"