'The damage is done': JD Vance ridiculed for walking back 'nasty' Pope Leo statements

Vice President JD Vance has been ridiculed by leading theological experts and philosophers for a recent statement made about Pope Leo XIV.

Vance has engaged in a direct theological dispute with Pope Leo XIV, criticizing the pontiff's understanding of Catholic doctrine. At a Turning Point conference, Vance stated, "I think it's very, very important for the pope to be careful when he talks about matters of theology."

"If you're going to opine on matters of theology, you've got to be careful, you've got to make sure it's anchored in the truth." The Pope, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, responded by directly rebuking Vance's ideology. "JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others."

Vance also suggested the Vatican focus on morality rather than foreign policy, claiming the pope should "stick to matters of morality and the matters of the Catholic church."

Pope Leo XIV has since downplayed the feud with President Donald Trump and his administration, saying that the feud had "not been accurate in all of its respects" and that he has "no interest at all" in debating the president.

Vance issued another statement on Pope Leo XIV, posting to X on Saturday: "I am grateful to Pope Leo for saying this. While the media narrative constantly gins up conflict–and yes, real disagreements have happened and will happen–the reality is often much more complicated.

"Pope Leo preaches the gospel, as he should, and that will inevitably mean he offers his opinions on the moral issues of the day. The President–and the entire administration–work to apply those moral principles in a messy world. He will be in our prayers, and I hope that we'll be in his."

This statement has been heavily criticized, with journalist Pedro L. Gonzalez writing, "JD Vance knows he messed up. He was supposed to pretend to be a Catholic, do the whole pious statesman charade ahead of 2028, but he underestimated how unpopular he is, so attacking the Pope was like putting his hand in a hornet’s nest.

"Now he wants to save face, but the damage is done. I guess JD will just have to change his name again and write a third memoir when this is over."

Catholic Clergy member Father James Anyaegbu added, "To pray for the Pope is a good step, but to listen to him is even better and commendable. Because authentic prayer should open us to obedience, not just sympathy.

"It should move us to take seriously the voice of the one entrusted with guarding and proclaiming the truth of the Gospel. We cannot affirm the Pope when it is convenient and reduce his teaching to 'opinion' when it challenges us. The Gospel is not negotiated to fit the world; it calls the world to conversion."

Christopher Hale, who worked on the Joe Biden and Barack Obama presidential campaigns, wrote, "You told Pope Leo XIV to be more 'careful' when 'opining on theology' twice this week. The American bishops’ committee on doctrine rebuked you. Do you rescind those remarks?"

Political philosopher Kevin Vallier added, "This is STILL WRONG. Popes ALSO apply moral principles to the 'messy' world. And on Catholic teaching, they're not merely his view, in many cases. And the implication that TRUMP prays for the Pope and the Pope might not in return is a nasty dig."