Vance Holds Private Talks With Pope Leo XIV Amid Iran War Disagreements

⛪ VATICAN — The White House is managing a moral authority problem, not a theological one. 📌 LOOK CLOSER: Leo XIV has condemned the Iran war since February — making him a recurring legitimacy liability as Geneva approaches. Vance framing it as "positive" is damage control: Washington needs the optic of moral cover, not papal censure, during MOU week. Private talks signal the administration recognizes soft-power exposure, especially with Catholic-majority European allies already straining under US force drawdowns.