After Backlash from Leo XIII, JD Vance Steers Clear of Papal Politics Tussle
Vance expresses unwillingness to participate in the Pope's "political maneuverings"
In the face of criticisms from Pope Leo XIII, JD Vance has opted out of the raucous political tiff surrounding the Pontiff. "I'm not here to politicize the Pope," Vance said to conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt. "Sure, he'll say things I agree with, and he'll say things I don't, but I'll hold my prayers for him and the Church."
The Pope elected on Thursday has been vocal about his political views, often criticizing the Trump administration and its policies. For instance, on February 3, he voiced his opinion on a social media post, stating, "JD Vance is mistaken when he claims that Jesus arranges our love for others in order of importance." Previously, he'd also shared a post critical of the government's policy on migrants, commenting on the deportation of Kilmar Ábrego García, a protected status holder.
No Political War for Vance
Vance believes that the Church is about more than politics. In contrast to several MAGA supporters, Vance refrained from responding to the Pope's criticism. Right-wing media figure Laura Loomer, for example, promptly labeled the Pope a "total Marxist," shortly after his election. Former Trump advisor Steve Bannon referred to him as the "worst choice for MAGA Catholics."
In Vance's perspective, the Church's primary mission revolves around salvation and spreading the Word. "The Church isn't about playing political games," the Vice President stated. "Its core purpose is to save souls and propagate the Gospel." Vance, a convert from Protestantism to Catholicism in 2019, further explained, "Most folks don't care whether the Pope aligns politically with the Republicans or Democrats."
"My warm wishes to Leo XIII, the first American Pope, on his election!" Vance initially said upon the Pope's election. "I'm sure millions of Catholics and other Christians worldwide will pray for his successful leadership of the Church," he added.
- J.D. Vance
- Vatican
Enrichment Data:
J.D. Vance's Religious Background- Conversion to Catholicism: JD Vance converted to Catholicism in 2019, choosing St. Augustine as his patron saint during the baptism ceremony at St. Gertrude Priory in Cincinnati[1].- Convert and Influences: Vance's journey to Catholicism was influenced by figures such as Peter Thiel, a tech entrepreneur who is also a "heterodox Christian" and an admirer of René Girard, a French philosopher who similarly embraced Catholicism[2].
J.D. Vance's Views on Church and Politics- Post-Liberal Catholicism: JD Vance is often associated with the "post-liberal Catholicism" movement, which emphasizes the role of faith in shaping political and cultural narratives[2].- Cultural Struggle: Vance sees his Catholicism as part of a broader cultural battle, weaponizing faith in discussions about values and society, often aligning with conservative or traditionalist viewpoints[2].
Pope Leo XIII's LegacyGiven that there is no Pope Leo XIV, we can instead consider Pope Leo XIII, a significant figure in the Church who actively engaged with modern society. Notable aspects of Pope Leo XIII include the publication of encyclicals like "Rerum Novarum," which tackled labor rights, and his emphasis on Catholic Social Teaching, setting a precedent for Church involvement in politics[3]. Although JD Vance's approach to using Catholicism as a political banner differs from Pope Leo XIII's legacy, both figures underscore the importance of faith in shaping political viewpoints, albeit in slightly different contexts.
[1] Time Magazine[2] Politico[3] Catholic University of America Press
- The European Union, as a major player in the world's financial markets, might find interest in the political stance of the newly elected Pope, given his vocal opinions against certain government policies.
- Despite the Pope's politicization of general news, such as his criticism of the Trump administration and its policies, JD Vance chooses to focus on the Church's primary mission, which is salvation and spreading the Gospel.
- While JD Vance and Pope Leo XIII share a Catholic faith, they hold contrasting views on the intersection of religion and politics, with Leo XIII actively engaging in shaping political and cultural narratives, contrasting with Vance's perspective of the Church as being above politics.
- On WhatsApp or other social media platforms, discussions about the Pope's political views could arise, but JD Vance prefers to keep his prayers for the Pope and the Church, rather than entering into political debates or disagreements.
