Vice President JD Vance's Visit to the Vatican
Vice President JD Vance, a former Marine turned Catholic convert, made a second visit to the Vatican where he led a U.S. delegation at the inaugural Mass of the first U.S.-born pope, Leo XIV. Both pontiffs, Francis and Leo, critiqued President Donald Trump and Vance's 'America first' worldview. Vance, a high-ranking Catholic in political office, attended the Mass and met with Pope Leo XIV. The White House framed the visit as historic, highlighting Vance as the first Catholic convert to serve as Vice President.
Key Points
- Vance's journey from atheism to Catholic convert
- Meetings with Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV
- Historic significance of being the first U.S.-born pope (Leo XIV) and first Catholic convert Vice President (Vance)
Pros
- Vance's symbolic presence as a high-ranking Catholic in political office
Cons
- Criticism from pontiffs like Francis and Leo regarding 'America first' worldview