WASHINGTON  -  US Vice-President JD Vance has invited Pope Leo to make an official visit to Washington following a “cordial” meeting the Vatican, the White House has confirmed. Vance handed the pontiff a letter from President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump inviting him to visit “as soon as [he] possibly can”, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said. In a statement, the Holy See said both sides had expressed satisfaction with relations between the US and Vatican during face-to-face talks on Monday. The meeting comes after Vance - a practicing Catholic - joined other dignitaries and worshippers at the Pope’s inaugural mass on Sunday. Religious freedom and cooperation between church and state were also discussed on Monday, it was reported, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also taking part. “Finally, there was an exchange of views on current international issues with a shared call for respect for humanitarian and international law in conflict zones, and support for negotiated solutions among the parties involved,” reads the Holy See’s statement. The papal audience lasted 45 minutes, Vance’s spokesperson said. It took place behind closed doors without reporters present.