JD Vance is facing backlash again after making another mistake during a meeting with the new pope. This time, it happened when he met Pope Leo XIV, who just became the new head of the Roman Catholic Church on May 8. Many people think Vance didn’t show the proper respect during the meeting, which has upset a lot of Catholics.
Vance, who is currently the Vice President of the United States, was already criticized last month for not following the rules at the Vatican. Now, people are once again accusing him of breaking tradition — this time during the pope’s inauguration ceremony in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, May 18.
During their meeting, Vance and Pope Leo shook hands and exchanged a few polite words. But then Vance did something that caught everyone’s attention — he gently patted the pope on the elbow, a move that many have described as too casual and disrespectful. It looked, according to some observers online, like he was greeting a college buddy rather than the spiritual leader of millions of Catholics.
This seemingly small gesture has sparked outrage on social media. People called it inappropriate, overly familiar, and even condescending. One person wrote that it felt like Vance was patting a puppy. Another said he acted like he was at a bar, not at one of the most sacred places in the Catholic faith.
Pope Leo XIV, originally from Chicago, is the first American to ever become pope. After he was elected, some of his old social media posts came to light, showing that he had criticized Donald Trump’s policies, especially on immigration. He even once disagreed with a comment Vance made about Christian teachings.
Despite this, Vance has tried to remain respectful in public, saying that he doesn’t want to argue about the pope’s politics. In an interview, he said he might not agree with everything Pope Leo says, but he’ll continue to pray for him and for the Church.
Still, this latest moment didn’t help his image. People were quick to point out that there are strict traditions when it comes to meeting the pope. Just like meeting a king or queen, there are rules you’re expected to follow. Men should wear a suit and tie, and women should wear modest clothes like a long skirt or dress. You’re supposed to wait until the pope speaks to you, address him as “Your Holiness,” and never touch him unless he allows it, like offering his hand for a handshake or ring kiss.
Many were shocked that Vance ignored these customs, with one person online asking why he would touch the pope’s shoulder at all. “It’s a terrible breach of protocol,” they said.
This isn’t the first time Vance has been called out for this kind of behavior. Just last month, he reportedly broke another rule while visiting the Sistine Chapel. That visit took place shortly before the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at age 88 from a stroke. While in the chapel, which has strict rules banning photography and the use of electronics, Vance posted photos — something many saw as deeply disrespectful.
Some critics went as far as saying Vance was “basically giving God the finger” with his actions in the chapel.
Altogether, these moments have left many questioning whether Vance truly understands the importance of religious traditions or if he’s just being careless in places that deserve deep respect.
