Vice President Vance has come to President Trump’s defense amid backlash following a controversial post he made on True Social just days after the death of Pope Francis.
Bill Kristol, who previously served as vice president under the Bush administration, questioned Vance’s stance, asking, “Hey @jdvance, are you okay with this rudeness and the holy father’s death?” in response to Trump’s social media comments.
Vance, a Catholic convert since 2019, responded, “In general, I don’t support people starting senseless wars that result in thousands of deaths,” referencing Kristol, who was an advocate for the 2003 Iraq War.
Vance’s support for Trump comes at a time when many, including the official White House account, have criticized the post.
In a recent statement, a representative from the New York State Catholic Conference remarked, “There’s nothing clever or interesting about this image. We’ve just buried our beloved Pope Francis, and the Cardinals are preparing for a serious conclave to select a new leader.”
In late April, it was announced that the conclave to elect the Pope’s successor would begin on May 7.
Representative Ted Liu (D-Calif.) expressed his outrage on social media, stating, “As a Catholic, I find this mocking of our faith by Donald Trump deeply offensive.” He further added that Trump’s focus should be on economic issues, highlighting recent GDP growth rather than ridiculing Catholics.
This week, Vance also shared his personal connection to Pope Francis, having met him just a day before his passing. “I was one of the last people to speak with him. It was a profound honor, and it’s a reminder of the uncertainty of life,” he noted.
Senior Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) also expressed support for Trump’s post, stating, “It’s fascinating to see! A picture often speaks volumes. I’m pleased to see that President Trump has a strong following and positive momentum regarding his potential role as the next Pope, although I recognize there was initial pushback.” He emphasized the importance of moving forward, especially with the upcoming conclave.
