Vice President JD Vance, a devout Catholic, addressed Pope Francis’ recent criticism of the Trump administration’s immigration policies at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington. Instead of engaging in a direct debate, Vance emphasized his prayers for the Pope’s health, particularly as the 88-year-old pontiff remains hospitalized.
“I pray for Pope Francis’ health every day,” Vance stated, shifting the focus from policy disagreements to shared faith.
Vance’s Response: Faith Over Debate
While Pope Francis strongly condemned mass deportations as a violation of migrants’ dignity, Vance refrained from responding to the criticism in detail. Instead, he described himself as a “baby Catholic” and acknowledged that he is still learning about his faith.
“I try to be humble when I talk about faith publicly, because I’m not always going to get it right,” he admitted.
Vance also urged for religious leaders to be respected beyond the realm of social media debates, emphasizing the Pope’s spiritual guidance rather than political disagreement.
Theological Disagreement on Immigration
The tension between Vance and the Vatican stems from differing interpretations of Catholic teachings. Vance previously defended America-first policies using the concept of “ordo amoris”—the order of love—suggesting that people must prioritize their families and country first. Pope Francis countered this by referencing the parable of the Good Samaritan, arguing that true Christian love is open to all, without exception.
Vance, however, did not directly engage in this debate during his speech.
Criticism from Catholic Bishops
The Vice President also faced criticism from US Catholic bishops after accusing them of receiving millions in government aid to resettle illegal immigrants. In reality, church programs receive funding to resettle legally approved refugees, leading to strong pushback from religious leaders.
One prominent cardinal condemned Vance’s claim as “scurrilous.” Despite this, Vance defended the Trump administration’s commitment to protecting religious freedom, arguing that the Biden administration has been hostile toward Christians.
Faith, Politics, and Foreign Policy
Beyond immigration, Vance praised Trump’s foreign policy as being focused on peace, referencing Russia, Ukraine, and the Middle East. He also highlighted the plight of Christian communities impacted by US interventions, particularly in Iraq, suggesting that Trump’s leadership has been a defender of Christian rights globally.
Meanwhile, Trump was scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as Ukraine continues to seek US security support against Russia.
Conclusion: A Delicate Balance
Vance’s response to the Pope’s immigration stance reflects his attempt to balance political loyalty with religious faith. While he remains firm on Trump’s policies, his tone of respect toward Pope Francis suggests an effort to maintain Catholic voter support without deepening divisions within the church.