Vance says he’s ‘grateful’ for Pope Leo’s statement on not wanting public debate with Trump - The Hill
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
Vice President JD Vance is grateful Pope Leo does not want a public debate with President Trump.
AI Summary
Vice President JD Vance expressed gratitude for Pope Leo’s statement indicating he does not want a public debate with President Trump. This comes after speculation about potential public discourse between the Pontiff and the President. Vance's comment suggests the White House views the Pope's stance as favorable, potentially avoiding a high-profile theological or political clash. The statement from Pope Leo likely aims to maintain the Vatican's diplomatic position regarding the Trump administration.
Source Coverage Map
9 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.

Republican senator criticizes Trump’s ‘holy war’ with Pope Leo - The Guardian
This article is part of a story we're tracking:
Vice President Vance's Comments on Pope Leo
Vice President JD Vance has publicly admonished Pope Leo XIV (or Pope Francis in some reports), warning him to 'be careful' when discussing theological matters, particularly after the Pontiff's critique of Iran. These comments have sparked debate and drawn attention to the intersection of politics and religion.
Pope Leo XIV and Trump: Clash Over US Actions and Peace Efforts
Pope Leo XIV and President Trump engaged in a public exchange, with the Pope stating his focus was on preaching peace in Africa and not debating Trump over US actions, particularly regarding Iran. This came amidst interpretations of the Pope's remarks as criticism of the President.
Pope Leo XIV and Trump: Public Debate Controversy
Pope Leo XIV and President Trump have been at the center of a public exchange regarding a potential debate and the Pope's remarks on peace. Pope Leo has clarified that his statements were not aimed at criticizing Trump and that he is not interested in a public debate.
Pope Leo XIV and Trump: Clash Over Peace and Politics
Pope Leo XIV and President Trump have been engaged in a public exchange, with the Pope clarifying that his statements on peace are not meant to debate Trump. This comes amid speculation and criticism from Trump supporters regarding the Pope's involvement in political matters.
Pope Leo XIV's Stance on US Politics and Peace
Pope Leo XIV has clarified his position on US politics, stating he is not seeking to debate President Trump but rather to preach peace, particularly in Africa. His remarks have been misinterpreted by some as criticism of Trump, leading to a public clarification from the Pontiff.
Pope Leo and Trump: Public Debate and Peace Efforts
Pope Leo XIV has publicly stated his disinterest in debating President Trump, clarifying that his focus is on preaching peace, particularly in Africa, rather than engaging in political confrontations. This comes amidst reports of a simmering clash between the two figures, with Trump also engaging in religious rhetoric.
Pope Leo XIV's African Tour and Trump Interactions
Pope Leo XIV embarked on his first African tour, including a historic visit to Algeria, with a focus on preaching peace. During his tour, he clarified that his statements were not intended to debate President Trump, despite recent public exchanges and Trump voters' opinions on the Pope's involvement in the Iran war.
Global Power Shifts
Tracking the changing dynamics of global power, including US-China competition, Russia's geopolitical moves, shifting alliances, NATO developments, and the emergence of new power blocs reshaping the international order.
Pope Leo XIV's Africa Tour and Feud with Trump
Pope Leo XIV is on an Africa tour, advocating for peace and hope, including a visit to a former slave trade site in Angola. His visit has coincided with a public feud with President Trump, who posted an AI image of himself as Jesus, leading to the Pope rebuking 'MAGA Jesus' and Trump voters criticizing the Pope's involvement in political matters.
Pope Leo XIV's Africa Tour and Standoff with Trump
Pope Leo XIV embarked on a significant tour of Africa, using the platform to preach peace and address historical injustices, notably visiting a former slave trade center in Angola. His visit has been marked by a perceived divergence from President Trump's rhetoric, leading to a public 'feud' and discussions about the Pope's rebuke of 'MAGA Jesus' ideology.
Pope Leo XIV's Africa Tour and Stance on 'MAGA Jesus'
Pope Leo XIV is on a significant Africa tour, focusing on messages of hope and peace. His visit has also drawn attention due to his implicit rebuke of the 'MAGA Jesus' concept, creating a subtle tension with former President Trump.
Pope Leo XIV's Africa Tour and 'MAGA Jesus' Controversy
Pope Leo XIV embarked on his first African tour, visiting Angola and addressing themes of hope. His visit coincided with a growing controversy surrounding his perceived rebuke of the 'MAGA Jesus' concept, leading to a public feud with President Trump.
Should this be getting more attention?
You Might Have Missed
Related stories from different sources and perspectives
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.
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…
PoliticsPope Leo urges Cameroon to reject violence
Pope Leo XIV stopped in Cameroon as part of his 11-day Africa trip. During a Mass attended by over 100,000 people, he urged the crowd to reject violence.
National SecurityPolice investigate bomb threat at Chicago-area home of Pope Leo's brother - Reuters
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMirAFBVV95cUxNUGdqSjQ3U00zWlBqS08tUFVvVDliN0FUNXhGQkVkUVNacllDN2FJdHJDc1hkRWRfUDVaaUhBTjk1TXJpSGJaMG9HYmduWlN0ZkQ4TC12SlpOdzREeVE3aTZTcV9lbTFMcHNScjZ3RHMzbTF4VFNsUEhtUXdPbXotaUhwUVNiR2sxNFdEY1NRNEVqSnozNmRoRkZ1cmxod1BnRDA4b2pjZXFxSThw?oc=5" target="_blank">Police investigate bomb threat at Chicago-area home of Pope Leo's brother</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>
National SecurityPope Leo's brother's home targeted with false bomb threat
One of Pope Leo's brothers was the victim of a false bomb threat on Wednesday night, according to the New Lenox, Illinois, police department.
Did Pope Leo find his voice in Africa? Or did the world finally hear him? - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMilAFBVV95cUxPZno5dHIwbm01ZWFvd3hUODNYUmZ3amVLUEVCNC15ZmVjb2MwcFY0TTIyV0doWnlUbk5IYkU3QXJZbXh1MDNXMms4cUIzYnVYWlhZSEV0N2ZQb0hHX3RmQ2xFckJQWE90eGNYSVJQazEwS18xbms1VEI2SnNBbUZtOU10SVhDUG9aeWZYU2QyZ002UGhT?oc=5" target="_blank">Did Pope Leo find his voice in Africa? Or did America and the world finally hear him</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>

Trump labor secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer resigns amid misconduct investigation - The Guardian
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
Report: Merck’s blockbuster cancer drug topped $200,000 a year under Trump

Trump’s Memphis Crime Task Force Arrested Over 800 Immigrants, Records Show. Only 2% of the Arrests Were for Violent Crimes.

Bipartisan duo that pushed Swalwell, Gonzales to resign says other lawmakers may be next

White House ramps up pressure to pass crypto bill as Congress returns

One in three Americans forced to make financial sacrifices for health coverage





