Pope Leo XIV Took Aim at JD Vance Just Weeks Before Becoming First American Pope
VATICAN CITY – In a historic twist that has reshaped both the spiritual and political landscapes, newly elected Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Matthew Kessler of Chicago, made headlines before his ascension by sharply criticizing U.S. Senator JD Vance—a rare move for a senior Church official on the cusp of papal authority.
Just weeks before his unexpected election to the papacy, then-Cardinal Kessler delivered a fiery homily at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, condemning what he described as “the co-opting of Christian values for partisan gain.” Without naming names initially, he decried “those in public office who speak of faith but sow division, demonize the poor, and mistake nationalism for righteousness.”
However, when asked by a reporter afterward whether his comments were aimed at Senator JD Vance, Kessler did not shy away: “Yes. When someone presents themselves as a guardian of Christian tradition while championing policies that hurt the marginalized, we must speak clearly. That is not the Gospel—it’s political theater in clerical disguise.”
The comment sent ripples through both religious and political circles. Vance, known for his populist rhetoric and best-selling memoir Hillbilly Elegy, has often aligned himself with socially conservative values and has cultivated a reputation as a vocal critic of the cultural elite. However, critics—now including the leader of the global Catholic Church—accuse him of using religion as a political tool.
At the time, few could have imagined that Kessler would soon emerge as the frontrunner in the papal conclave following the sudden resignation of Pope Francis due to health concerns. The election of an American pope had long seemed improbable, given the Vatican’s cautious approach toward global geopolitics. Yet Kessler’s reputation for moral clarity, intellectual rigor, and his commitment to social justice reportedly swayed key cardinals from Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
Now as Pope Leo XIV, the 58-year-old pontiff’s early actions suggest he is prepared to double down on his critique of political misappropriation of religion. In his first encyclical, expected later this month, sources say he will address the “distortion of Catholic identity in modern politics,” with particular attention to nationalism, immigration, and the climate crisis.
Senator Vance, when asked about Pope Leo’s remarks, issued a terse response via social media: “With all due respect to His Holiness, American Catholics can think for themselves.”
But for many observers, the moment marks a shift in global Catholicism. “This pope is not going to play it safe,” said Dr. Elena Moretti, a Vatican analyst. “He understands the stakes of the current political moment—and he’s willing to challenge powerful figures, even in his own country.”
Whether Pope Leo XIV will change the way faith is discussed in American politics remains to be seen. But his message is unmistakable: the Church’s moral voice will not be used as a mouthpiece for any party.
