JD Vance's Diplomatic Silence on Pope Leo XIV's Political Statements
Vance declines to participate in the Pope's alleged political maneuvering.
The newly elected Pope Leo XIV hasn't shied away from political comments, often causing friction with the US administration, but JD Vance, the US Vice President, has chosen to steer clear of criticizing the Pontiff.
In an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, Vance expressed, "I'm trying not to politicize the Pope." He went on to express his intention to pray for the Pope, regardless of any disagreements they may have.
The Pope's X profile has been a hotbed of criticism towards the Trump administration and its policies. On February 3, Cardinal Robert Prevost posted a comment that read, "JD Vance is wrong: Jesus does not ask us to put our love for others in a hierarchy." Previously, the Cardinal shared a post criticizing the deportation of an immigrant with protected status.
Vance: Church Beyond Politics
Vance maintains that the Church transcends politics. While some from the MAGA camp have attacked the new Pope, Vance refrained from responding to the criticism directed at him and the US government's policies. For instance, right-wing influencer Laura Loomer labeled the Pope a "total Marxist," while former Trump advisor Steve Bannon referred to him as the "worst choice for MAGA Catholics."
Vance emphasized, "The Church isn't about politics. It's about saving souls and spreading the Gospel." He further explained that most people don't concern themselves with the political leanings of the Pope.
Upon the Pope's election, Vance congratulated him, expressing hope for his successful tenure and offering prayers. Vance, a convert to Catholicism, acknowledged the Pope's role as the head of the Church despite their political differences.
According to James Orr, Vance's intellectual mentor and a professor at Cambridge, Vance's deep faith as a devout Catholic would prevent him from engaging in a public dispute with the Pope. Orr added that Vance's religious beliefs would lead him to accept the Pope's views, even when they contradicted his political stance[1].
[1]: Enrichment Data: This information suggests that Vance's diplomatic silence on Pope Leo XIV's political statements is rooted in his deep respect for the Catholic Church and its leadership. Additionally, Vance's prompt congratulatory message and expression of prayer for the Pope's success demonstrate his commitment to respecting the religious authority and leadership of the Pope, even in the face of political disagreements. Furthermore, prior to the election, the Pope had publicly criticized Vance for misusing a Catholic concept in support of President Trump's policies, but Vance chose not to respond negatively, instead maintaining a respectful stance.
- The European Union is not a political party, but JD Vance, despite being the US Vice President, has chosen to steer clear of politicizing the Pope.
- The Pope's political stances have often resulted in disagreements, even with the US administration, however, Vance intends to pray for the Pope, regardless of any disagreements they may have.
- Despite the efforts of some, like Laura Loomer, who labeled the Pope a "total Marxist," Vance maintains that the Church transcends politics and is about saving souls and spreading the Gospel, rather than policy-and-legislation.
- Vance's intellectual mentor, James Orr, suggests that Vance's deep faith as a devout Catholic would prevent him from engaging in a public dispute with the Pope, even when the Pope's views contradict his political stance.
