Trump may believe he is the messiah – but his attack on the pope could prove costly for JD Vance | Arwa Mahdawi - The Guardian
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
President Trump's perceived attack on the Pope could negatively impact Vice President JD Vance's political standing.
AI Summary
President Donald Trump's perceived attack on the Pope could have negative political repercussions for Vice President JD Vance, according to an analysis by Arwa Mahdawi in The Guardian. This situation suggests that Trump's actions, even if viewed as messianic by some, may alienate a significant demographic. The article implies that Vance, as a prominent Catholic within the administration, could face challenges in maintaining support among religious voters. This potential fallout highlights the delicate balance between presidential rhetoric and its impact on key political allies and their constituencies.
Source Coverage Map
14 of 43 tracked sources covered this story
Following this story?
Get notified when new coverage appears
Other Sources Covering This Story
5 sourcesMultiple outlets have reported on this story. Compare perspectives from different sources.
Pope Leo blasts the 'tyrants' ravaging Earth with war and exploitation on Cameroon visit
This article is part of a story we're tracking:
JD Vance's Public Criticism of Pope Leo
Vice President JD Vance has publicly criticized Pope Leo, warning him to 'be careful' when discussing theological matters, particularly in relation to Iran. This has sparked controversy and heckling at public events.
Trump-Pope Leo XIV Rift and JD Vance's Comments
A public rift has emerged between President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV, with Trump criticizing the Pope's stance on various issues. Vice President JD Vance has publicly weighed in, advising the Pope to 'be careful' when discussing theological matters, potentially impacting political support among conservative Catholics.
Iran & Middle East Conflict
Tracking the evolving military and diplomatic situation across the Middle East, including US-Iran tensions, Israeli operations, proxy conflicts, and the broader geopolitical implications for the region.
VP Vance's Public Criticism of Pope Leo and Trump's Attacks
Vice President JD Vance has publicly criticized Pope Leo XIV, advising him to 'be careful' when discussing theology, leading to heckling at a Turning Point USA event. This comes amidst President Trump's repeated attacks on Pope Leo, contributing to a public rift that is reportedly costing him support.
AI & Technology
Following the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and its impact on society, including regulation debates, workforce disruption, military applications, privacy concerns, and the race between tech giants and governments to shape AI's future.
Should this be getting more attention?
You Might Have Missed
Related stories from different sources and perspectives
PoliticsStefanik defends Trump’s attacks on Pope Leo: ‘We know his leadership style’
Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) on Wednesday defended President Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo XIV, after the twomen got into a public spat over the weekend about the U.S. operation in Iran. “I don’t want to see the Pope as a politician. The president — we know his leadership style. He’s going to stand strong for…
PoliticsTrump news at a glance: president signals more mass pardons in pipeline; Vance leaves Pakistan after Iran peace talks break down
<p>Trump reported saying he will issue mass pardons at end of term; vice-president says Iran and US at an impasse over nuclear weapons question – key US politics stories from Saturday 11 April at a glance</p><p>After granting unconditional pardons to 1,500 people who participated in the 6 January 2021 US Capitol attack at the start of his presidency, Donald Trump has signalled there could be more to come.</p><p>“I’ll pardon everyone who has come within 200 feet of the Oval [Office],” the president <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/11/trump-mass-pardons-end-of-presidential-term">reportedly said</a> in a recent meeting, garnering laughs from the room, according to a Wall Street Journal <a href="https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/trump-promises-mass-pardons-to-staff-before-leaving-office-d7274d32?mod=author_content_page_1_pos_1">report</a> citing an anonymous source.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/12/trump-news-at-a-glance-latest-updates-...
PoliticsTrump posts image of himself with Jesus as administration's pope criticism continues - Reuters
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMivwFBVV95cUxNVVl1LU5QSVhZbUNVc1dneXdiUU5UcUI0Y1E1RjVlUlc5TzRPcmlHbE15YUhaSTJ1OGtydUhlTm5mcU8xSWhlRlA5WFBwSGloN3lGMnN2NWc0SXh3cXg5STI2eEU0NDZBNVRIQVpHdV95Y0h1VHpXNEhjWE1IUTR1NUJTR2dqdVZRdWFSaVNoQk82bjd6OEE3eE1CYWJkREVwdzZVYTRoblF5ZWkxLWVtVkVSRHdLMTUybEtKdlQyRQ?oc=5" target="_blank">Trump posts image of himself with Jesus as administration's pope criticism continues</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>
PoliticsWATCH: Vance says Pope Leo should 'be careful' when talking about religion
Vice President JD Vance questioned Pope Leo anew, pushing back specifically at the pope's Palm Sunday assertion that God does not hear the prayers of those who make war.
PoliticsMcDonald's, Iran and the pope: Trump's bizarre press conference
US President Donald Trump received a DoorDash delivery from McDonald's to the Oval Office during a press conference where he spoke about Iran and the pope.
PoliticsAs Vance rallies with Turning Point, some supporters bristle at Trump's war, memes and feuds - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMinwFBVV95cUxORGpCUmZCanlhTURoNEtyRUVodXJQNEhsU2VHd1lLM1BUV2VvTVctQ0V1X09FNzR2bnJiRVBURW13S2RqUkxmZFNsNk1uQkJWTUZBbUdldkQ4UjJSaG1lQUZRQUJ4OUNjYmYtR2t4cG43enlqZzNndzNUYi1Bcy1oVkJ5c1pNamUwR0JDMFhJcDQ3R2tTSHFEZGE1ODFpZVk?oc=5" target="_blank">As Vance rallies with Turning Point, some supporters bristle at Trump's war, memes and feuds</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
Trump, IRS in talks to settle US president's $10 billion lawsuit - Reuters
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMirAFBVV95cUxOd0lMR1BZemlObTBWWVBoMzRxc3dsZ1NnOTVzMXpibFJweGdqb0Y3VUIxYlJsSl9fR2xtVXVTdUhrY2JYbkJJY3pDRFpPUmxxUzNZNzVwWDZ4cV9RREtzX0kxcXpKbzY1bkxlUVk5YmcwWFZySXJPbXZ5ankxX29oek1kdHpUM3JFVjlfZV84d3pFNmF2WGVLRXNhZVBLTDhnQS1RNUFGM0JjYWdG?oc=5" target="_blank">Trump, IRS in talks to settle US president's $10 billion lawsuit</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>
Did this story change how you see things?
Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.
The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.
See our sourcesMost Read This Week
What to know about Eric Swalwell’s exit from Congress and the California governor’s race - AP News
New York subway stabbings leave 3 hurt as police shoot and kill knife-wielding man, officials say - AP News
Anthony Albanese urges Israel to stop Lebanon attacks that intensified during Middle East ceasefire
California woman says she was raped by Rep. Eric Swalwell in 2018 - AP News
Harris, Newsom, Democrats aren’t trying to hide their presidential aspirations
