Vice President JD Vance, a convert to Catholicism, reflects on his faith journey from atheism to his current role as one of the highest-ranking Catholics in political office. His recent trips to the Vatican included meetings with Pope Francis and attending the inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV. Both pontiffs subtly criticized Vance and President Trump’s “America first” philosophy. Vance has chosen to navigate these critiques with diplomacy, underscoring his status in the Catholic community.
During his trip, Vance emphasized his pride in the American pope’s election and attended services where Leo highlighted issues like hatred and economic exploitation. This visit garnered historical significance as Vance is the first Catholic convert to serve as Vice President, following Joe Biden. He also visited the tomb of Pope Francis, honoring the legacy of both pontiffs.
Vance has recently responded to tensions between the papacy and Trump’s policies. By stressing his desire for respectful discourse about religious authority, he articulated that American Catholics should avoid politicizing the papacy. Despite his previous combative stance on social media, he recognizes the importance of understanding church leadership, expressing humility about his faith as a new convert.
His marriage to Usha, a Hindu, represents a blend of faiths in their family, with their children being raised Catholic. Vance expressed excitement over his son’s baptism, reflecting on his ongoing learning as a newcomer to Catholicism. He acknowledges that there is much he needs to understand about his faith and strives for humility in discussions, demonstrating his commitment to thoughtful engagement within his religious community.
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