Vice President JD Vance went on record Tuesday saying he takes issue with the Vatican’s stance on immigration, calling it “troubling” — a response to a series of sharp criticisms from Pope Leo directed at President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts.
Pope Leo, who holds the distinction of being the first American-born pope, has been outspoken in his disapproval of how migrants are being treated under the Trump administration. He has called for a “deep reflection” within the United States on the matter, described the administration’s approach as “extremely disrespectful” toward immigrants, and condemned what he referred to as “their inhuman” treatment of migrants.
Vance, who is Catholic himself, addressed the disagreement during an appearance on Fox News’ “The Ingraham Angle.” “I do think that some of the things that have come out of the Vatican on the immigration question in particular have been troubling, and ultimately I disagree with it,” he said.
He also offered a message to Catholic leaders who have pushed back on the administration’s immigration approach. “What I tell the Catholic leadership I talk to who disagree with our immigration policies, you know, I’m not hostile about it. I invite them to have the conversation but I also encourage them to remember that mass migration has victims,” Vance added.
The Trump administration has carried out an aggressive immigration crackdown and deportation campaign. Rights organizations have argued the effort has infringed on free speech and due process protections and has created an atmosphere of fear, especially among ethnic minorities who have raised concerns about racial profiling. President Trump has defended the push, saying it is aimed at strengthening domestic security and reducing illegal immigration.
Trump has also been openly critical of Pope Leo, who has weighed in on several other administration policies beyond immigration. The Vatican has declined to participate in Trump’s so-called “Board of Peace” initiative related to Gaza. Pope Leo has also spoken out against the Iran war, which began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran, and he recently praised an interim agreement between Washington and Tehran, expressing hope that it will bring the conflict to an end.
