Smiling Vice President JD Vance.
Share this @internewscast.com

JD Vance has expressed his backing for the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, even though the pontiff has been a long-time critic of Trump policies and has previously criticized Vance’s views on religion.

Cardinal Robert Prevost, the first American to ascend as Holy Father, had previously circulated articles critical of fellow Catholic Vance just months prior to his election to lead the worldwide church.

Smiling Vice President JD Vance.
Vice President JD Vance has congratulated Cardinal Robert Prevost on his election as PopeCredit: AP
Newly elected Pope Leo XIV waves from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.
Prevost, who took the name Pope Leo XIV, is the first American to hold the sacred positionCredit: Reuters
Newly elected Pope Leo XIV waving from a balcony.
Prevost told pilgrims ‘Peace be with you’ as they applauded his first appearanceCredit: Reuters

On Thursday evening, a jubilant cheer erupted from a crowd of pilgrims as white smoke rose from the Vatican, signaling the election of the new holy leader.

Several tense moments later, parishioners looked up in shock as Prevost emerged from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica and said, “Peace be with you.”

Prevost, who was born in Chicago, Illinois, has made history as the first American Pope.

Throughout the Catholic Church’s 2,000-year history, Americans had often been passed up for the job because of the country’s established global prominence.

However, Prevost, 69, was a unique choice as he was a naturalized citizen of Peru, where he served as a seminary leader and apostolic administrator.

In recent years, Prevost has become indispensable to the Vatican. In 2023, Pope Francis hand-selected him to head the office that vets global bishops.

That position elevated him above other cardinals considered to head the church, making him an easier choice.

Also in recent years, Prevost has kept up an intriguing internet presence, where he often appeared to share his true thoughts on Donald Trump’s second presidency.

His latest repost on X was a critique of Trump’s immigration crackdown from Catholic commentator Rocco Palmo.

In the post, Palmo quoted, “Do you not see the suffering? Is your conscience not disturbed? How can you stay quiet?”

New Pope elected as white smoke rises from Conclave’s ritual chimney–

And just a few posts before this, Prevost boldly shared a spate of articles questioning statements made by Vance, who converted to Catholicism throughout his 30s.

One article was an opinion piece with the headline “JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.”

And the other was an article criticizing Vance after Pope Francis penned a letter to American bishops and encouraged them to support illegal immigrants being targeted by the crackdown.

But despite these glaring signs of apparent mistrust of their administration, Vance and Trump have both sent their well-wishes to the new leader.

In a post on X, Vance wrote, “Congratulations to Leo XIV, the first American Pope, on his election!

“I’m sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church. May God bless him!”

And before that, Trump took to Truth Social to say, “It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope.”

“What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV,” he wrote.

“It will be a very meaningful moment!”

Pope Leo XIV waving from a balcony.
Prevost made his first appearance on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at the VaticanCredit: Reuters
Crowd in St. Peter's Square reacting to the newly elected Pope.
Faithful Christians cheered and prayed for the new Holy Father after his electionCredit: EPA

‘SUCH AN HONOR’

Trump revealed that the Vatican had already called him following Prevost’s election and stressed that it was a “great honor” for America to be represented in the papacy.

“To have the Pope from the United States of America, that’s a great honor,” he told reporters.

“I’m watching it and they say, ‘He’s from America,’ I said, ‘That’s great!'”

Illustration of a step-by-step guide to the papal conclave.
Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Camp Mystic director died while trying to save campers from Texas floods

Camp Mystic Director Loses Life in Attempt to Rescue Campers During Texas Floods

Dick Eastland, known for his long tenure as owner and director of…
Grieving Caitlyn Jenner seen for first time since tragic death of longtime friend and manager, Sophia Hutchins

Caitlyn Jenner Spotted for First Time After Heartbreaking Loss of Longtime Friend and Manager, Sophia Hutchins

Caitlyn Jenner was spotted for the first time since losing her longtime…
Legoland opens resort in Shanghai, the first in China

Legoland launches its inaugural resort in Shanghai, China

It is one of 11 parks across the world and was built…
What Movie Should I Watch Tonight? ‘Dances with Wolves’ Extended Cut on HBO Max

Looking for a Movie to Watch Tonight? Check Out the Extended Version of ‘Dances with Wolves’ on HBO Max

This Fourth of July, take a moment to remember the Kevin Costner…
Road rage incident leaves girl, 5, shot in leg -- and the bullet in her sippy cup

Road Rage Incident Results in 5-Year-Old Girl Being Shot in the Leg, Bullet Found in Her Sippy Cup

A 5-year-old girl was struck in the leg by a bullet, which…
As the Death Toll Rises in Texas, Democrats Choose to Be Black-Souled, Evil Ghouls

Texas Tragedy Escalates: Democrats Criticized for Lack of Empathy

The devastating news from Texas keeps worsening as the number of deaths…
Bobby Jenks, 2-time All-Star and former White Sox closer, dies at 44

Former White Sox Closer and Two-Time All-Star Bobby Jenks Passes Away at 44

He was an All-Star in each of the next two seasons while…
Serial killer fears grip Texas community after dozens of bodies pulled from lake: 'Cannot be ignored'

Fears of a Serial Killer Spread in Texas Town as Multiple Bodies Discovered in Lake: ‘We Must Pay Attention’

The mysterious circumstances surrounding a Texas lake have caused unease in the…
Donald Trump speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One.

Trump Lashes Out: Putin Wants to Continue Killing in Ukraine, Claims He’s ‘Very Unhappy’ After Hour-Long Call with Vladimir

Donald Trump sounded a grim alarm over Putin’s intentions to “continue the…
Ukraine, Denmark ink landmark deal to produce weapons in Europe

Ukraine and Denmark Sign Historic Agreement to Manufacture Weapons in Europe

Kyiv struck a landmark deal with Denmark Friday that paves the way…
Police: Woman shot at Jacksonville Red Roof Inn hotel; suspect outstanding

Shooting at Mississippi Way Block Party Sends 2 to Hospital, Says LCPD

The Lake City Police Department says officers found multiple spent shell casings…
Muddy interior of a flood-damaged cabin with overturned furniture.

Texas Flood Tragedy: 50 Dead Including 15 Children, 27 Girls Missing from Camp Mystic

AT least 50 people including children have been killed in the Texas…