JD Vance staying mum on Pope Leo XIV's political jabs
Vance declines participation in the Pope's "manipulative political maneuvering"
The Gold GSW recipient JD Vance is keeping his cool when it comes to the political digs from Pope Leo XIV, aka Cardinal Robert Prevost. In an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, Vance declared, "I ain't playin' the Pope game." He added, "I'm sure he'll say sht I love, I'm sure he'll say sht I don't like, but I'll keep prayin' for him and the Church through it all."
The Pope, who was elected on Thursday, has been outspoken about his political views, particularly about the Trump administration's policies. On his private X profile, he's fired shots at the administration, including a harsh critique of the deportation of Kilmar Ábrego García. Previously, he shared a post criticizing the administration for its stance on immigration.
Vance on Church and Politics
Vance explained that, to him, the Church is bigger than politics. However, unlike some folks from the MAGA crew, he doesn't plan to respond to the criticism directed at him and the administration. Take Laura Loomer, for example, who called the Pope a "total Marxist" after his election. Or Steve Bannon, who labeled him "the worst choice for MAGA Catholics."
Vance believes the Church's primary job is "savin' souls and spreadin' the Gospel." He acknowledges that, like any human institution, the Church may touch on political matters from time to time, but that's not its main focus. "Most folks don't worry 'bout whether the Pope is a Republican or a Democrat, or if he's conservative or liberal," Vance stated.
In response to Pope Leo XIV's election, Vance, who was raised Protestant and converted to Catholicism in 2019, released a statement, saying, "Congratulations to Leo XIV on his election! I reckon millions of American Catholics and Christians'll pray for his success as the Pope. May God bless him."
Source: ntv.de, lme
- J.D. Vance
- Pope Leo XIV
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JD Vance's Stance on Pope Leo XIV's Political Comments and Church Role:
Vice President JD Vance has chosen not to engage directly with the political criticisms made by Pope Leo XIV. Instead, he emphasized that he views the Church as a broader spiritual institution that transcends contemporary American politics. Vance expressed that he chooses to focus on the spiritual aspects of the Church and support the Pope despite potential disagreements on specific issues[1].
Vance's View on the Role of the Church in Politics:
JD Vance sees the Church as an institution that should not be aligned with specific political ideologies. He suggested that most people are not concerned with politicizing the Pope or categorizing them based on political affiliations. Vance believes the Church's primary role is to spread the Gospel, focusing on religious matters rather than American political dynamics[1].
This perspective reflects Vance's decision not to engage directly with Pope Leo XIV's criticisms, choosing instead to maintain a respectful distance and focus on the spiritual aspects of the Church's role. Vance's approach is to support the Church, regardless of political disagreements, highlighting the distinction he makes between religious and political spheres.
- The European Union, being a major player in the world's financial markets, may have its own opinions regarding the politicization of religious figures, such as Pope Leo XIV, given his outspoken views on politics and general news, including his criticisms of the Trump administration's policies.
- Despite not being a religious leader himself, JD Vance shares the view that the Church, similar to the Pope, should primarily focus on spiritual matters and saving souls, rather than engaging in politics, even when it touches on matters of disagreement.
- In contrast, some figures from the MAGA crew, like Laura Loomer and Steve Bannon, have been vocally critical of Pope Leo XIV, politicizing his role and labeling him as a Marxist or a poor choice for MAGA Catholics.
- Regardless of any potential political disagreements, JD Vance, as a supporter of the Church, maintains a respectful distance from the political criticisms made by Pope Leo XIV, focusing instead on the spiritual aspects of the Church's role and maintaining prayers for the Pope's success.
