JD Vance may have voiced his support for Pope Leo XIV succeeding Pope Francis, but the sentiment doesn’t appear to be mutual.
On May 8, it was announced that Cardinal Robert Prevost would assume the papacy following the passing of Pope Francis last month.
At 69 years old, Prevost—now known as Pope Leo XIV—makes history as the first American to be elected as leader of the Catholic Church.
True to his patriotic spirit, U.S. President Donald Trump enthusiastically welcomed the news, joined by Vice President JD Vance—despite the President’s earlier tongue-in-cheek remark about being next in line for the papacy.
But is the admiration mutual? When it comes to JD Vance, Pope Leo XIV hasn’t exactly held his tongue in the past.
The newly elected Pope appeared to take a swipe at JD Vance on Twitter by reposting an op-ed from the National Catholic Reporter titled, “JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.”
The article came after comments Vance made to Fox News in February, saying: “There is a Christian concept that you love your family and then you love your neighbor, and then you love your community, and then you love your fellow citizens, and then after that, prioritize the rest of the world.
“A lot of the far left has completely inverted that.”
Yes Vance, he’s looking at you (Franco Origlia/Getty Images)
He didn’t hold back (drprevost/X)
It follows Trump similarly taking to Truth Social to give his stamp of approval too, writing: “Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope.
“What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country.
“I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!” Trump remarked—despite the numerous posts, and there are plenty, in which Leo has openly criticized his policies.
