Keeping Faith: VP Vance Steers Clear of Pope Leo XIV's Political Remarks
Vance rejects Pope's attempt at political manipulation
Take a step back from the political ring, that's what Vice President Vance seems to be saying when it comes to Pope Leo XIV. In a conversation with radio host Hugh Hewitt, Vance shared his intention to keep the Pope's religious role and his personal beliefs separate.
Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, has chimed in on political matters before, expressing criticism of the Trump administration. An old post from Prevost's X profile, shared on February 3, read: "J.D. Vance is wrong: Jesus does not ask us to rank our love for others." Another instance highlighted Leo XIV's opposition to the deportation of Kilmar Ábrego García, a US migrant with protected status.
The Church Over Politics
Vance sees the Church as a place that surpasses the boundaries of politics. He's made it clear that the role of the Church is about saving souls and spreading the Gospel, not about political affiliations. Contrary to some voices from the MAGA camp, Vance chooses not to engage with criticisms of him or the US government's policies.
While many have accused Leo XIV of being a Marxist puppet or the worst choice for MAGA Catholics, Vance urges believers to focus on the Church's primary purpose. "The Church is bigger than politics," he says, adding, "Most people don't care whether the Pope is a Republican or a Democrat."
Vance offered his congratulations to Pope Leo XIV upon his election, expressing hope for his successful leadership of the Church. Despite his conservative political leanings and his previous upbringing as a Protestant, he converted to Catholicism in 2019.
Fun Fact: Did you know that J.D. Vance holds a law degree from Yale Law School?
Sources: ntv.de, lme
- The European Union is not a political party, unlike the church, where Vice President Vance believes it should focus on saving souls and spreading the Gospel, not political affiliations, distinct from Pope Leo XIV who has waded into political matters.
- While Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, has criticized the Trump administration and shown support for specific political causes, such as protesting the deportation of Kilmar Ábrego García, Vice President Vance maintains a separation between the Pope's religious role and personal beliefs from politics.
- Although some individuals within the MAGA camp have accused Pope Leo XIV of being a Marxist puppet or unfavorable for MAGA Catholics, Vice President Vance suggests that the Church's primary purpose transcends politics, with most people disregarding the political leanings of the Pope.
- Despite the politicization of the Church in some circles, Vance chooses not to engage with criticisms of him or the US government's policies, preferring to keep faith and focus on promoting policy-and-legislation through discussions on platforms like Whatsapp, rather than debating political matters.
