Vice President Vance Criticizes Pope Leo XIV's Stance on U.S. Foreign Policy
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Vice President JD Vance has publicly criticized Pope Leo XIV's comments on U.S. foreign policy, suggesting the pontiff should focus on matters of morality.
Vice President JD Vance has publicly criticized Pope Leo XIV's comments on U.S. foreign policy, suggesting the pontiff should focus on matters of morality. Speaking at a Turning Point USA event in Athens, Georgia, Vance addressed the Pope's recent remarks condemning the U.S.-Israel military actions in Iran. Pope Leo XIV had denounced the "delusion of omnipotence" fueling the conflict and called for political leaders to negotiate peace.
Vance, a Catholic convert, expressed his disagreement with the Pope's stance, stating that the Vatican should "stick to matters of morality" and allow the U.S. president to handle public policy. He questioned the Pope's position by referencing historical conflicts, asking whether God was on the side of Americans who liberated France from the Nazis and freed Holocaust survivors during World War II.
The Vice President's comments come amid escalating tensions between the Trump administration and the Vatican. President Donald Trump recently criticized Pope Leo XIV, labeling him "weak on crime" and "terrible for foreign policy," following the Pope's peace vigil at St. Peter's Basilica, where he called for an end to the conflict in Iran. In response, Pope Leo XIV stated he has "no fear" of the Trump administration and emphasized his commitment to advocating for peace.
The exchange has sparked debate within the Catholic community, with some clergy defending the Pope's right to speak on global issues, while others support the administration's stance. The situation underscores the ongoing tension between religious leadership and political authority in the United States.