Vice President JD Vance, a former Marine, experienced a crisis of faith during his higher education, leading him to atheism before converting to Catholicism. Recently, he made two visits to the Vatican, where he met Pope Francis and later officiated at the inaugural Mass for Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pope. Vance’s recent trips have highlighted his prominence as a politically influential Catholic.
During the Mass, Pope Leo delivered a homily that subtly criticized the “America first” ideology associated with both Vance and former President Trump, though Vance has chosen to approach such criticisms with caution. He expressed pride in the election of Leo XIV, calling him “the American pope.” Vance is the second Catholic vice president, following Joe Biden.
The vice president’s spiritual journey is less public compared to his online persona, and he stresses humility regarding his faith. At a recent National Catholic Prayer Breakfast, he acknowledged the challenges modern communication poses to religious discussions and emphasized respect for the papal authority. Additionally, he discussed the interfaith dynamics in his family, raising his children as Catholics while allowing them to make their own decisions about baptism.
Vance’s relationship with the Church is complex, navigating the intersection of his political role and his faith. He has historically defended the papacy against politicization, asserting that many American Catholics fail to show proper respect for the pope. His recent experiences reinforce his commitment to Catholicism amidst the pressures of political life, solidifying his identity as a prominent Catholic figure in U.S. politics.
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