At the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington on Friday, Vice President JD Vance acknowledged Pope Francis’ criticism of the Trump administration’s immigration policies, particularly its plans for mass deportations. However, Vance did not directly respond to the specifics of the pontiff’s critique or to the apparent rebuke of his own use of Catholic tradition to justify such policies.
Vance, a Catholic convert, emphasized the importance of prayer, especially in light of Pope Francis’ hospitalization for pneumonia and other health concerns. “We pray daily for Pope Francis,” Vance shared with the audience, highlighting the vice president’s personal commitment to supporting the Holy Father during his recovery.
While Vance refrained from engaging in debates over who was “right or wrong,” he did express his respect for the Pope. “I continue to defend my views,” he said, but was careful to credit Francis for his concern for the well-being of the Christian flock under his leadership. “Pope Francis cares about the flock of Christians under his leadership and the spiritual direction of the faith,” Vance noted.
Vance, who led the gathering in a prayer for Francis’ health, also addressed the broader role of religious leaders, cautioning against the trend of treating them like social media influencers. “Religious leaders shouldn’t be treated as social-media influencers subject to constant debate,” he asserted.
The controversy surrounding Vance’s position stems from Pope Francis’ February remarks regarding the Trump administration’s immigration policies, which the Holy Father described as depriving migrants of their inherent dignity. Vance, in defending the administration’s stance on immigration, had earlier cited centuries-old Catholic teachings such as “ordo amoris,” or the “order of love,” which calls on individuals to prioritize their families and those closest to them. In response, Pope Francis clarified that a true understanding of this teaching involves a love that is “open to all, without exception,” referencing the biblical parable of the Good Samaritan.
Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, downplayed the conflict and referred to himself as a “baby Catholic,” acknowledging that there are aspects of the faith that he still does not fully understand. “I try to be humble as best I can when I talk about the faith and publicly, because of course, I’m not always going to get it right,” he admitted, emphasizing his willingness to learn.
Additionally, Vance faced criticism from bishops over his controversial claim that Catholic bishops were accepting government funds to “resettle illegal immigrants.” In response to this, Vance briefly addressed the criticism without mentioning the specifics, noting that “I’ve taken some criticism from bishops.” However, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has clarified that its funding is directed toward legally approved refugees, not illegal immigrants. The Trump administration’s cut-off of such funding has sparked ongoing legal battles.
Furthermore, Vance highlighted the Trump administration’s efforts to protect religious liberty, particularly for Catholics, stating that “the Trump administration has been one of the most consistent defenders of religious liberty in America.” He referenced the establishment of a task force focused on combating anti-Christian bias, a topic that has remained central to the administration’s agenda.
In his speech, Vance also took the opportunity to criticize the Biden administration, claiming that it “liked to throw people in jail for silently praying.” This remark alluded to the case of an elderly woman and others who were sentenced for their involvement in blocking an abortion clinic, an action that violated the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act.
Vance further contended that the Trump administration’s policies stood in stark contrast to the Biden administration’s stance on abortion rights, arguing that the latter has placed a strong emphasis on abortion access. Under the Trump administration, the GOP removed a call for a constitutional amendment banning abortion from its 2024 platform, while Trump signed an executive order aimed at reducing the cost of in vitro fertilization.
In closing, Vance emphasized his concern for the fate of Christian communities worldwide, particularly in regions impacted by American foreign policy. “It has often been historical Christian communities who bear the brunt of failed American foreign policy,” he stated, citing the effects of the U.S. invasion of Iraq on its Christian minority. He lauded Trump’s foreign policy approach, noting that “perhaps the most important way in which Donald Trump has been a defender of Christian rights all over the world is he has a foreign policy that is oriented towards peace.”
Vance’s remarks come amid ongoing debates about the role of the Catholic Church in political issues, particularly surrounding immigration, religious liberty, and foreign policy. The Catholic community continues to navigate the complexities of these discussions, especially as leaders like Pope Francis and Vice President Vance offer differing perspectives.
