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Latin Times
Latin Times
Politics
Alicia Civita

U.S. Cardinals Reveal the Real Reason Why The Pope Rejected Trump's Invitation to Join the United States 250th Birthday Celebrations

Pope Leo XIV (Credit: Photo by TIZIANA FABI/AFP via Getty Images)

Pope Leo XIV's decision to turn down the Trump administration's invitation to join the United States' 250th birthday celebrations appears to have been about far more than scheduling. It was, at least in the telling of the cardinals closest to him, a statement about priorities, symbolism, and the people he believes deserve the world's attention right now.

Vice President JD Vance formally delivered an invitation from President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump during a Vatican meeting in May 2025, asking the first American pope to make an official home visit.

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