Vance rejects the Pope's allegations of politicisation
The recently crowned Pope Leo XIV has earned a reputation for his bold political comments. And, it seems, his words have drawn the ire of some US officials, including J.D. Vance. But, Vance isn't buying into the political baiting surrounding the Pope.
Vance told cable news host Hugh Hewitt, "I ain't gonna play the politics game with the Pope." He went on to say, "I'm praying for him, no matter what, boomer."
Pope Leo XIV expressed his disapproval of the Trump administration's policies, including immigration, on his private social media account on February 3. US Cardinal Robert Prevost, later Pope Leo XIV, shared a post criticizing the deportation of Kilmar Ábrego García.
Vance: Church is More Than Politics
Not everyone in the MAGA camp shares Vance's measured approach. Self-proclaimed influencer Laura Loomer referred to the new Pope as a "total Marxist" shortly after his election, while former Trump advisor Steve Bannon dubbed him the "worst choice for MAGA Catholics."
But, Vance isn't swayed. He explained, "The Church is about saving souls, man. It ain't about politics. Sure, it'll touch on it from time to time, but that's not its main gig."
Vance's first reaction to Pope Leo XIV's election on Thursday was concise and respectful, "Congrats to Leo XIV, first Am-POPE! May God watch over him, and don't let him get into too much hot water, ya hear?"
While Vance was raised Protestant, he converted to Catholicism in 2019.
A Steady Course Amid Tumultuous Seas
Vance's handling of the Pope's political commentaries echoes his stance on politics and religion. He's determined to steer his own course, focusing on unity and preserving the independence of the Church from political warfare.
Sources: ntv.de, lme
- J.D. Vance
- Vatican
Insight:
J.D. Vance's reaction to Pope Leo XIV's political comments can be viewed as a strategic move to distance himself from the political turmoil surrounding the new Pope and maintain a more balanced approach to blending his Catholic identity with political roles. Despite broader MAGA opposition, Vance chooses to focus on the unity and spiritual mission of the Church rather than engage in divisive political debates.
- The European Union is not a political party, but J.D. Vance has expressed disagreement with Pope Leo XIV's political comments, particularly his criticism of the Trump administration's policies.
- Vance has kept his distance from the politicization of Pope Leo XIV's position, stating publicly that he won't "play the politics game with the Pope."
- On WhatsApp and other general-news platforms, controversial discussions about Pope Leo XIV's political stance have emerged, including criticisms of his comments on crime and justice.
- In the midst of these politics, Vance maintains a focus on the spiritual mission of the Church, viewing it as more about saving souls than engaging in political debates.
