Just a day before Pope Francis passed, Vice President JD Vance visited his Holiness in Rome, where the two clashed over the harsh deportation policies the second Trump administration has put into effect.
Vance, a Catholic himself, has previously explained how he reconciles the policies with his faith, but this seems to have done little to change the Pope’s stance on America’s present policies. The papacy of Francis was a new direction of inclusion that is renowned for the embrace of migrant plights, LGBTQ+ rights, a concern for the poor, and sharp criticism for a “globalisation of indifference.”
Pope Francis, the Protector of Refugees
Upon his ascension to papacy in 2013, Francis declared that he would be a pope that says “No to an Economy of Exclusion.”
“To sustain a lifestyle which excludes others, or to sustain enthusiasm for that selfish ideal, a globalization of indifference has developed. Almost without being aware of it, we end up being incapable of feeling compassion (…) as though all this were someone else’s responsibility and not our own. The culture of prosperity deadens us; we are thrilled if the market offers us something new to purchase. In the meantime all those lives stunted for lack of opportunity seem a mere spectacle; they fail to move us.”
This ideology served as a basis for his policies, especially regarding migrants. His very first pastoral visits took him to the Mediterranean, the scene of countless tragically failed border crossings into Europe, where he called for a “reawakening of consciences.”
Pope Francis received criticism throughout his tenure as right-wing politics began to rise in following across the globe. For his especially critical opinion of the migration policy of the first Trump administration, the relationship with U.S. congregations was always difficult. “It’s an honour if the Americans attack me,” he said to French journalist-author Nicholas Seneze in 2019. This relationship continued under the second Trump administration.
Vance’s Catholicism and his Migration Policy
JD Vance converted to Christianity in 2019 after years of embracing atheism. In an essay detailing his conversion story, he wrote about his initial hesitance due to his family life but also due to questions regarding Catholic institutions. However, he thought of the Pope in high regard:
“My growing view is that too many American Catholics have failed to show proper deference to the papacy, treating the pope as a political figure to be criticized or praised according to their whims.” Vance also expressed appreciation of Catholic social teachings, citing it as the basis of his own views on public policy: “I hope my faith makes me more compassionate and to identify with people who are struggling,” he said.
In 2025, upon the inauguration of President Donald Trump, he promoted the new immigration policies as his Vice President.
The series of executive orders signed in January declare an “invasion” of “millions of aliens” (…) “in violation of longstanding Federal laws.” Trump issued orders that involve the military in maintaining “territorial integrity” )and military guards have been used in detention facilities, according to The New York Times
Unlawful migrants are now being called “hostile actors with malicious intent” and are being detained “to the maximum extent authorized by law (…) on suspicion of violating Federal or State law.” Vance argued that these policies are, in fact, aligned with Catholic teachings. He cited “ordo amoris” (the “order of love”) as his reason, since this dictates that one cannot love people on the other side of the world as they do those closest to them.
Just google “ordo amoris.” Aside from that, the idea that there isn’t a hierarchy of obligations violates basic common sense. Does Rory really think his moral duties to his own children are the same as his duties to a stranger who lives thousands of miles away? Does anyone? https://t.co/otvv5g1wFN
— JD Vance (@JDVance) January 30, 2025
The Pope contested this view in a letter to the bishops of the USA, writing that “an authentic rule of law is verified precisely in the dignified treatment that all people deserve” and that this should “not impede the development of a policy that regulates orderly and legal migration.”
One Last Meeting
VP Vance had the privilege to be the Pope’s last guest before the Pontiff’s death on April 21, Easter Monday. During this meeting an “exchange of opinions” took place regarding the mass deportations under the new policies. The Pope’s idea of a “globalization of indifference” is in direct conflict with Vance’s understanding of “ordo amoris,” which brings inherent conflict in their views on migration policy. How the relationship of U.S. Christians and the Church continues will depend on the new Pope as well as Vance, who has championed himself as a leading figure in American Christianity. It is due to the VP’s active work and interest in theology that makes him the figure to discuss such issues, even with the man who has the highest authority on such matters.
As this continues to be an important part of Vance’s political image, it will continue to impact his credibility and influence, which could pressure him to reduce the severity of migration policy.
