WASHINGTON, D.C. April 18, 2026 – Vice President JD Vance expressed gratitude Saturday to Pope Leo XIV after the pontiff pushed back against media narratives of conflict between the Vatican and the Trump White House.
In a post on X, Vance responded directly to Fox News coverage of the Pope’s remarks during his ongoing trip to Africa. The Holy Father told reporters aboard the papal plane that a “narrative that has not been accurate in all of its aspects” has circulated about his relationship with President Donald Trump. He stressed it is “not in my interest at all” to debate the president and said he will continue preaching a message of peace.
“I am grateful to Pope Leo for saying this,” Vance wrote. “While the media narrative constantly gins up conflict—and yes, real disagreements have happened and will happen—the reality is often much more complicated.”
Vance continued: “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,” the Vice President concluded.
The exchange follows weeks of public friction. Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, had voiced concerns over U.S. military involvement in Iran and aspects of the administration’s immigration enforcement. President Trump responded sharply, at one point calling the Pope “weak on crime.” Critics on both sides amplified the divide, but the Pope clarified that his recent call for peace—delivered at a prayer gathering—was prepared two weeks earlier and was not aimed at the White House.
Vance’s measured response underscores the administration’s desire to maintain respectful dialogue with the Catholic Church even amid policy differences on war, borders, and other global challenges. As a Catholic himself, the Vice President has frequently highlighted the importance of applying Christian moral teachings to governance.
LifeNews will continue to monitor developments between the Trump administration and the Vatican, particularly on life issues where the Church’s consistent teaching aligns closely with the pro-life movement.
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