Pope Leo XIV gave JD Vance a brief, cold greeting after his inaugural mass in Rome, sparking talk of an epic snub.
Pope Leo XIV seen paying little mind to JD Vance after first American pontiff’s inaugural mass
In a moment that caught political observers by surprise, Pope Leo XIV gave a notably brief and somewhat cold greeting to U.S. Vice President JD Vance.
This occurred following the inaugural mass of the first American pontiff held in Rome on Sunday.
The historic ceremony hosted many global leaders, but the Pope’s brief, cold interaction with Vance notably stood out.
Vance and his wife Usha attended the mass at St. Peter’s Square despite the Pope’s criticism of Trump’s administration.
Video footage captured Pope Leo shaking hands with Vance and exchanging a short conversation with him and his wife.
However, the entire exchange lasted barely 17 seconds, a stark contrast to the private meetings the Pope held afterward with other international leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Peruvian President Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra.
Other leaders receive warm private meetings
Following the mass, Pope Leo held longer private talks with key world leaders, suggesting selective diplomatic priorities.
Alongside Zelensky and Boluarte Zegarra, leaders from Canada, Italy, Germany, and EU officials attended the event with about 200,000 spectators.
The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, was among those present, adding to the significant American delegation.
The Pope’s brief interaction with Vance sharply contrasted the longer meetings with other guests, sparking speculation about their relationship.
Pope Leo XIV’s implicit criticism of Trump’s policies
Before meeting Vance, Pope Leo delivered a powerful homily in which he addressed several global challenges.
His speech sharply criticized discord, hatred, and economic exploitation, seen as veiled critiques of Trump-era policies.
The Pope directly criticized immigration limits and harsh land acquisition rhetoric tied to Trump’s administration.
Pope Leo highlighted worries over vulnerable populations’ marginalization and Earth’s resource exploitation.
These views echoed his earlier criticism of Trump-era immigration policies.
Pope’s history of criticism toward Trump and Vance
At 69, Pope Leo, once Father Robert Prevost, has openly criticized the Trump administration and figures like JD Vance.
Long before becoming Pope Leo XIV, he shared articles and social media posts challenging Vance’s views on immigration and faith.
One such article retweeted by the Pope argued against Vance’s stance, stating that “Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.”
Another recent retweet condemned the deportation of a Maryland father of three, highlighting the human suffering caused by such policies.
Over time, the Pope has backed DACA and condemned border family separations, opposing conservative immigration policies.
Vance’s response to Pope’s criticism
Despite the repeated criticisms, JD Vance has maintained a diplomatic approach toward Pope Leo.
In a recent interview with conservative broadcaster Hugh Hewitt, Vance said he avoids engaging in what he calls the “politicization of the Pope.”
He recognized he might agree or disagree with some papal views but remains committed to praying for the Pope and Church despite political differences.
This balanced approach contrasts heated religion-politics debates, showing Vance’s effort to manage a complex relationship with Catholic leadership.
Pope Francis’ legacy fuels ongoing tensions today.
Tensions continue as Pope Francis, before his death, also criticized Vice President Vance’s policies after meeting him on Easter.
Earlier this year, Pope Francis challenged Vance’s use of Catholic teachings to justify immigration restrictions and deportations in a letter to U.S. bishops.
Pope Francis condemned building a border wall during Trump’s presidency, saying supporters “are not Christians.”
After Pope Francis’s death, Vance respectfully praised his spiritual leadership over political differences.