JD Vance and Pope Leo: The Backdrop to an Inauguration

The announcement that Vice President JD Vance would attend Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration mass included a simple line.

“Pope Leo XIV is the first American Pope. Vice President Vance is the first Catholic convert to serve as Vice President,” the White House notice said.

It was neutral, yet telling. The first American pope holds the seat of St. Peter at a time when conservative Catholicism has political strength in the United States, embodied in the man first in line to the presidency. The relationship between the two will be one of the most-watched developments of Pope Leo’s papacy.

The cardinals’ selection of Pope Leo tests the strained relationship between the bishop of Rome and the American right wing. Just four Sundays ago, Mr. Vance shook hands with a pope who had publicly chastised his theology and position on immigration, and who faced longstanding frustration from traditionalist Catholics. This Sunday he arrives to greet a leader who appears to share many of his predecessor’s views, including direct criticism of Mr. Vance in a now-deleted social media account associated with his name.

Leading conservative American Catholics often say they do not know Pope Leo personally. Yet while some had different first choices for the papacy, Pope Leo has begun by positioning himself as a conciliatory, moderate force. Some conservatives are finding points of commonality in his theology and administrative pragmatism, and even cautious anticipation that their relationship with Rome may reset.

“He seems to be a man of deep prayer and reflection who believes in service to others and fidelity to the Church’s doctrine and constant teaching,” said Ashley McGuire, a senior fellow with The Catholic Association. “I am optimistic that he can bring unity to the church through clear and compassionate leadership of the faithful.”