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.
Latest Developments
Pope Leo says ‘we can live in peace’ amid spat with Trump
Pope Leo XIV reiterated his call for peaceful coexistence on Wednesday, responding to President Trump’s criticism regarding the pontiff’s remarks on the war in Iran. Pope Leo stated, "We can live together in peace," despite differing beliefs and ways of living. This statement follows President Trump's public disapproval of the Pope's comments concerning the ongoing conflict. The exchange highlights a notable public disagreement between the head of the Catholic Church and the sitting U.S. President over international affairs.
WATCH LIVE: Senate Republicans again reject resolution to rein in Trump's Iran war
Senate Republicans once again rejected a resolution aimed at reining in President Trump's involvement in the Iran conflict. The 47-52 vote marked the fourth time this year the Senate has declined to assert its war powers regarding the situation. This decision effectively cedes congressional authority over military action to the President in a conflict some Democrats describe as illegal and unjustified. The repeated rejections underscore a continuing divide in Congress over the executive branch's role in military engagements.
Popes have spoken out on politics before. But with Trump and Pope Leo it's different
President Trump's attacks on Pope Leo are unprecedented, according to religious experts who spoke with NPR. These experts highlighted how the current situation differs from other popes' past political critiques. The article explains these differences.
Johnson backs Trump, Vance in criticism of pope - Politico
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has publicly backed President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance in their recent criticism of the pope. This endorsement aligns a key Republican leader with the White House on a potentially sensitive issue involving a prominent religious figure. The move indicates a unified front among top Republican officials regarding the pope's statements, which have likely drawn political pushback. This support from Johnson could amplify the White House's message and potentially influence public perception among their conservative base.
Trump posts image of himself with Jesus as administration's pope criticism continues - Reuters
President Donald Trump posted an image of himself with Jesus Christ, according to Reuters. This action comes as the Trump administration continues to voice criticism of the Pope. The post suggests a potential alignment of religious imagery with the President's public persona amid ongoing political tensions. It also highlights the intersection of religious symbolism and political messaging within the current White House strategy.
Key Facts
Vice President JD Vance stated that Pope Leo XIV should 'be careful' when discussing theology, drawing heckling at a TPUSA event.
Source: The Hill, New York Times, NBC News
President Trump has repeatedly attacked Pope Leo, calling him 'weak on crime' and doubling down on his criticism regarding Iran.
Source: BBC News, CNBC, Reuters US
The public rift between Trump and the Pope is reportedly costing the President valuable support, particularly among conservative Catholics.
Source: BBC News
An analysis suggested Trump's attack on the Pope could have negative political repercussions for Vice President JD Vance.
Source: The Guardian
Recent Highlights
Vance warns Pope Leo to 'be careful' when talking about theology.
Vice President JD Vance is heckled at a Turning Point USA event as he criticizes Pope Leo.
President Trump again criticizes Pope Leo, days after calling him 'weak on crime'.
President Trump's attack on the Pope is reported to be costing him valuable support.
Full Coverage (25 articles)
Showing 20 of 25 articles
Pope Leo says ‘we can live in peace’ amid spat with Trump
Pope Leo XIV reiterated his call for peaceful coexistence on Wednesday, responding to President Trump’s criticism regarding the pontiff’s remarks on the war in Iran. Pope Leo stated, "We can live together in peace," despite differing beliefs and ways of living. This statement follows President Trump's public disapproval of the Pope's comments concerning the ongoing conflict. The exchange highlights a notable public disagreement between the head of the Catholic Church and the sitting U.S. President over international affairs.
WATCH LIVE: Senate Republicans again reject resolution to rein in Trump's Iran war
Senate Republicans once again rejected a resolution aimed at reining in President Trump's involvement in the Iran conflict. The 47-52 vote marked the fourth time this year the Senate has declined to assert its war powers regarding the situation. This decision effectively cedes congressional authority over military action to the President in a conflict some Democrats describe as illegal and unjustified. The repeated rejections underscore a continuing divide in Congress over the executive branch's role in military engagements.
Popes have spoken out on politics before. But with Trump and Pope Leo it's different
President Trump's attacks on Pope Leo are unprecedented, according to religious experts who spoke with NPR. These experts highlighted how the current situation differs from other popes' past political critiques. The article explains these differences.
Johnson backs Trump, Vance in criticism of pope - Politico
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has publicly backed President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance in their recent criticism of the pope. This endorsement aligns a key Republican leader with the White House on a potentially sensitive issue involving a prominent religious figure. The move indicates a unified front among top Republican officials regarding the pope's statements, which have likely drawn political pushback. This support from Johnson could amplify the White House's message and potentially influence public perception among their conservative base.
Trump posts image of himself with Jesus as administration's pope criticism continues - Reuters
President Donald Trump posted an image of himself with Jesus Christ, according to Reuters. This action comes as the Trump administration continues to voice criticism of the Pope. The post suggests a potential alignment of religious imagery with the President's public persona amid ongoing political tensions. It also highlights the intersection of religious symbolism and political messaging within the current White House strategy.
Trump decries Italy's Meloni for siding with the pope and not supporting Iran war
President Donald Trump criticized Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for not supporting an "Iran war" and for siding with the pope, stating in an interview with Corriere della Sera, "I was wrong." This marks a public disagreement between Trump, who is the current President of the United States, and a key European ally, despite their historically aligned conservative political views. Trump's comments suggest a rift over international policy, specifically regarding potential military action against Iran and the influence of religious leadership. The remarks could strain diplomatic relations between the United States and Italy, impacting future cooperation on foreign policy matters.
WATCH: Vance says Pope Leo should 'be careful' when talking about religion
Vice President JD Vance publicly questioned Pope Leo, stating the Pope should "be careful" when discussing religion. This pushback came specifically after Pope Leo's Palm Sunday assertion that God does not hear the prayers of those who make war. Vance's remarks indicate a continued disagreement with the pontiff's pronouncements. This public critique from the sitting Vice President highlights a notable tension between the Trump administration and the Vatican.
WATCH: Vance says Pope Leo should 'be careful' when talking about religion
Vice President JD Vance publicly questioned Pope Leo, cautioning the pontiff to "be careful" when discussing religion. Vance specifically pushed back against Pope Leo's Palm Sunday assertion that God does not hear the prayers of those who make war. This marks a continued public disagreement between the Vice President and the head of the Catholic Church. The comments highlight a growing tension between a prominent figure in the Trump administration and the Vatican over theological interpretations.
Trump’s Go-To Justification for Contentious Decisions: National Security
The Trump administration is frequently invoking "national security" as a justification for its contentious decisions across various policy areas. This approach has been applied to diverse matters, including the White House ballroom and offshore wind farms, as noted in the excerpt. The administration's broad use of this justification has drawn rebukes from some judges. This strategy allows the White House to implement policies that might otherwise face stricter scrutiny or legal challenges.
Latest on Iran as Trump insists war will end soon
President Trump is insisting that a deal with Iran is imminent, according to reports from CBS News' Olivia Rinaldi and Elizabeth Palmer. This assertion comes despite Tehran's disagreement on its nuclear capabilities. The President's insistence suggests a potential resolution to ongoing tensions. This development pertains to efforts to end a conflict, as President Trump maintains that war will conclude soon.
Trump posts AI image of being embraced by Jesus Christ amid criticism for other religious posts
President Trump posted an AI-generated image on Truth Social depicting him being embraced by Jesus Christ. This action follows criticism he received for sharing another image that portrayed him as Jesus. Trump captioned the post, stating, "The Radical Left Lunatics might not like this, but I think it is quite nice!!!" The post reflects the President's continued use of religious imagery on social media, often in response to perceived political opposition.
Trump Just Posted An AI Image Of Himself With Jesus - Forbes
President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself with Jesus Christ, according to Forbes. The image appeared on his social media platform, Truth Social, where he frequently shares content with his followers. This action generated significant discussion and drew attention to the intersection of political figures, religious imagery, and artificial intelligence in public communication. The use of AI to create and disseminate such images raises questions about their intent and reception among his base and the broader public.
Vance says young voters ‘do not love’ Trump’s Middle East policy at Turning Point event
Vice President Vance stated that young voters "do not love" President Trump's Middle East policy regarding Iran and Gaza during a Turning Point USA event in Athens, Ga. Vance was defending the President's actions in the region when members of the audience heckled him ten minutes into the event. This public acknowledgment by the Vice President suggests a potential disconnect between the administration's foreign policy and a key demographic. The incident highlights internal tensions or differing perspectives within the Republican base regarding the President's approach to the Middle East.
Trump's rift with Pope is playing out in public - it's costing him valuable support
A public rift between President Trump and the Pope is reportedly costing the President valuable support. Leading conservative Catholics are openly backing the "American pontiff" in his disagreement with Trump, according to the BBC. This public spat indicates a division within a key demographic that has historically supported the President. The ongoing conflict could impact Trump's political standing among religious conservatives.
Trump may believe he is the messiah – but his attack on the pope could prove costly for JD Vance | Arwa Mahdawi
President Donald Trump's attack on the head of the Catholic church and the AI depiction of himself as a Christ-like figure have drawn criticism. These actions have not been well-received by a significant demographic of swing voters in the United States. The article suggests this situation could prove politically costly for Vice President JD Vance.
Trump may believe he is the messiah – but his attack on the pope could prove costly for JD Vance | Arwa Mahdawi - The Guardian
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.
In 1960, fears over papal influence. In 2026, a president attacks a pope - Los Angeles Times
The Los Angeles Times reports that a president has attacked a pope in 2026, drawing a parallel to historical concerns over papal influence in 1960. This development highlights a significant shift from past political anxieties about religious authority to direct confrontation. The article suggests a current US president is publicly criticizing the leader of the Catholic Church. This situation marks a notable departure from traditional diplomatic norms between the US presidency and the Vatican.
JD Vance Heckled In Antiwar Protest at Turning Point USA Event
Vice President JD Vance was heckled by antiwar protesters during his appearance at a Turning Point USA event. Vance acknowledged the protesters, stating he understood that young voters dislike current Middle East policy. This incident highlights growing public dissent, particularly among younger demographics, regarding the Trump administration's foreign policy stance concerning Iran. Vance's public recognition of these criticisms could signal internal White House awareness of the policy's unpopularity. The event underscores the ongoing tension between the administration's foreign policy and a segment of its base.
Trump takes aim at Pope Leo again, days after calling him 'weak on crime' - CNBC
President Trump again criticized Pope Leo, days after previously calling him "weak on crime." This marks a renewed public attack from the sitting President of the United States against a prominent religious figure. The repeated criticism suggests an ongoing dispute or disagreement between the Trump administration and Pope Leo. The nature of the President's remarks, focusing on "crime," indicates a specific area of contention.
As Vance rallies with Turning Point, some supporters bristle at Trump's war, memes and feuds - AP News
Vice President JD Vance recently rallied with Turning Point, an organization known for its conservative youth activism. During this event, some supporters expressed discomfort with President Trump's ongoing "war, memes and feuds." This sentiment suggests a potential divergence or weariness among a segment of the conservative base regarding the President's confrontational style. The reaction indicates a nuanced political landscape within the Republican party, even as its leaders engage with key conservative groups.