US ambassador Brian Burch hopes to win over Pope Leo with his favourite cake. Photo: EPA PHOTO

Donald Trump's new ambassador to the Vatican, a right-wing Catholic who was sharply critical of the late Pope Francis, has tried to sweeten his diplomacy with Pope Leo, giving the new pontiff a chocolate birthday cake.

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Brian Burch gave Leo, the first US pope, a cake made by a Chicago-area dining chain as part of a meeting at the Vatican's Apostolic Palace to formally present his diplomatic credentials.

Leo, originally from Chicago and elected in May to replace Francis, turns 70 on Sunday.

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