Vance Sends Prayers to Ailing Pope Amidst Past Policy Clashes

Vice President JD Vance recently shared a message of support for Pope Francis, who is currently battling pneumonia and a lung infection in Rome. Vance acknowledged past disagreements with the pontiff, particularly regarding the Trump administration's immigration policies. He noted that despite these differences, he believes Pope Francis "fundamentally cares about the flock of Christians." Speaking at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., Vance, a Catholic convert, mentioned that he and his children pray for the Pope daily. Francis, 88, has been under medical care at Gemelli Hospital. Earlier in the month, he criticized the Trump administration's plans for mass deportations, arguing that such actions strip migrants of their inherent dignity. It's interesting to see political figures bridging divides, even if just momentarily, in times of crisis. It shows a basic level of humanity that sometimes gets lost in the political arena. Despite past criticisms – including what appeared to be a rebuke of Vance's religious defense of deportation policies in a letter to U.S. bishops – Vance emphasized unity among Catholics and Christians. He cautioned against constant infighting over every church controversy, suggesting a more tolerant approach to faith and leadership. Vance shared a personal memory of Pope Francis' message of courage and hope during the early days of the COVID-19 Pandemic, recalling the Pope's solitary sermon in an empty Saint Peter's Square. "I will always remember the Holy Father in March of 2020... standing in an empty Saint Peter's Square, holding the Eucharist above his head and giving a sermon that I return to consistently because it was incredibly meaningful to me at the time, [and] it remains meaningful today." Concluding his address, Vance reassured Pope Francis of the prayers and support from faithful Catholics in the U.S. He stated, "If the Holy Father can hear us, I hope he knows that there are thousands of faithful Catholics in this room and millions of faithful Catholics in this country who are praying for him as he weathers his particular storm."