Recently elected Pope Leo XIV, formerly known as Robert Prevost, made headlines last February when he openly criticized the current Vice President of the United States, JD Vance, regarding his statements on the hierarchy of Christian love. This incident is now seen as a clear indication of Leo XIV's critical stance against the Trumpist agenda.
At the time, Prevost, who was an influential bishop within the progressive wing of the American Catholic Church, shared an article from the National Catholic Reporter on his X account (previously known as Twitter). The piece, penned by theologian Kat Armas, was titled: “JD Vance is Wrong: Jesus Doesn’t Ask Us to Rank Our Love for Others.” Although Prevost didn't add any personal commentary, his sharing of the article was interpreted as a strong stance against the Vice President's views and particularly against Donald Trump’s immigration policies, which he found unsettling.
The article was a response to comments made by Vance on Fox News, where he claimed that there is a "Christian order of love" prioritizing family first, followed by neighbors, and lastly the rest of the world. He accused "the extreme left" of reversing this supposed order. Armas countered Vance's perspective, labeling it as a medieval interpretation that perpetuates exclusionary hierarchies and contradicts the evangelical message of abundance and inclusivity.
“Jesus never speaks of love as something to be rationed, but as a table where there is room for everyone,” Armas wrote, in a critique that resonated with Prevost, now leading more than a billion Catholics worldwide. His election is seen as a continuation of Pope Francis's papacy, with a strong focus on social justice, welcoming migrants, and denouncing exclusionary structures.
Leo XIV's appointment comes at a politically pivotal moment, with President Trump having been re-elected and his administration upholding a conservative agenda on issues such as immigration and religion. It’s worth noting that JD Vance was the last international leader to meet with Pope Francis before his passing on April 21. With Leo XIV now at the helm of the Vatican, a more strained relationship between the Holy See and the U.S. administration is anticipated.
On the eve of Leo XIV's election, both Vance and Donald Trump celebrated the historic appointment of the first American pope, expressing great pride in the achievement.
Pope Leo XIV and U.S. Political Dynamics
What were JD Vance's comments on the hierarchy of Christian love?
JD Vance claimed on Fox News that there is a "Christian order of love" which prioritizes family first, then neighbors, and finally the rest of the world.
How did Kat Armas respond to Vance’s statements?
Kat Armas refuted Vance's statements, arguing that they represent a medieval interpretation that contradicts the inclusive and abundant nature of Jesus's message.
What is the significance of Leo XIV's election as pope?
Leo XIV's election signifies a continuation of Pope Francis’s focus on social justice, inclusion, and addressing exclusionary structures, which may challenge conservative political agendas.
How might Leo XIV's papacy affect U.S.-Vatican relations?
Given Leo XIV’s progressive stance, his papacy may lead to a more tense relationship between the Vatican and the current U.S. administration, especially concerning social and immigration issues.