Vice President JD Vance shared his disappointment regarding the recent media portrayal of Pope Leo XIV’s election, describing it as overly politicized. In an interview with radio host Hugh Hewitt, Vance remarked on the significance of Leo XIV being the first American pope, highlighting that it marks a notable moment for American Catholics and, arguably, for the nation as a whole.
“Many people told me throughout my life that we wouldn’t see an American pope in our lifetime. Yet, here we are,” he commented, noting that this sentiment is shared even among Protestants who have converted to Catholicism.
Vance expressed concerns that political narratives often overshadow significant events like a papal election. He referenced reports indicating that certain media coverage has focused primarily on political implications rather than the event’s spiritual significance.
He also addressed broader questions about Leo XIV’s stance on political issues, suggesting that the new pope has criticized figures like President Trump while not equally confronting Democrats. “It’s tough to align a 2,000-year-old institution with modern American politics,” Vance noted.
He emphasized his personal approach, mentioning that as a Catholic convert, he sees things from a unique angle. “I prefer not to politicize the pope’s role. He will say various things that will resonate with me, and others I might disagree with, but I will continue to pray for him and the church.” He added, “I’ll find a way to navigate that.”
When discussing the media’s focus on politics, Vance expressed disappointment after Hewitt pointed out that media questions during a post-election press conference were often aimed at Trump.
“The church encompasses a much larger scope than politics,” he argued. “With around 1.3 billion Catholics worldwide, including about 100 million in the U.S., it’s a vast institution.”
Vance reiterated that most people don’t categorize the pope along political lines—be they Republican, Democrat, conservative, or liberal. There’s a variety of views within the church, and many don’t neatly align with political ideologies.
He acknowledged, however, that like all human institutions, the church occasionally interacts with public policy matters. Vance articulated that it would be healthier for both the media and Catholics to steer clear of politicization, particularly given the contemporary social media landscape.
In a related statement, Pope Leo XIV urged the media to focus on consensus rather than conflict, encouraging a culture of collaboration.
“How we communicate is fundamentally important,” he stressed, advocating for a reduction in contentious discourse.
Following Leo XIV’s election, social media discussions highlighted mixed perceptions of his political leanings, with some referencing older posts that hinted at his viewpoints.
Vance’s reflections came in the context of reinforcing Christian values, suggesting love for family, community, and fellow citizens should come before broader global concerns. This perspective was illustrated during his defense of Trump administration policies on immigration.
