Vice President JD Vance recently sat down for a revealing conversation about how his Catholic faith shapes his political beliefs and the tough balancing act he faces in his role.
The chat took place during a trip to Rome, where Vance attended the inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV, giving him a unique chance to reflect on the intersection of religion and governance.
Joined by Ross Douthat, a fellow Catholic and conservative columnist for the New York Times, Vance opened up on the “Interesting Times” podcast about what it means to lead a nation while staying true to deeply held religious values — even when those values sometimes conflict with political realities.
How Faith Guides Vance’s View of Leadership
Vance explained that his Catholic faith isn’t just a personal belief system but a lens through which he approaches every aspect of life, including his work and family.
“When you truly believe in something, it affects how you do your job and how you spend time with your loved ones,” he said.
This belief influences how he views American politics — not just as power plays or policy battles but as a way to encourage people to live meaningful, good lives.
For Vance, this means supporting causes like the rights of the unborn and ensuring workers earn enough to support their families with dignity.
He also shared concerns about how Western societies, including the U.S., have grown “hostile to family formation,” with fewer people feeling supported to start and raise families — something he sees as a critical challenge.
Capitalism, Market Policies, and Moral Responsibility
Though often labeled a staunch capitalist, Vance revealed he has faced criticism from the political right for not fully embracing the free market in all its forms.
While he firmly supports capitalism, he doesn’t oppose government intervention when it serves the common good, pointing to the administration’s tariff policies as an example.
“My Christian principles and Catholic social teachings remind me that the market is a tool — not the purpose of American politics,” he noted.
This perspective shows his desire to balance economic freedom with moral responsibility.
Looking to the Church for Guidance on AI and Moral Questions
Vance also touched on one of today’s biggest challenges: artificial intelligence.
He expressed hope that Pope Leo and the Church could provide the kind of moral leadership that governments, including the U.S., are currently ill-equipped to offer.
“The Church is really good at guiding us through these kinds of moral questions,” he said.
This view ties into his broader belief that religion and policy are deeply intertwined.
While some see them as separate realms, Vance insists our political decisions are inevitably shaped by the values we hold.
That said, he stressed the importance of respecting the U.S. Constitution by not taking direct policy orders from the Vatican.
Walking the Line: Serving Faith and Country in Rome
During his time in Rome, Vance made clear he wasn’t there just as a private Catholic but as the Vice President of the United States — representing the American people first and foremost.
This meant carefully following diplomatic protocols, such as refraining from kissing the pope’s ring, a gesture typically seen as respectful but one that would conflict with his role representing the U.S.
He explained, “It’s not disrespect, but it’s important to observe the protocols of the country I love and serve.”
Balancing respect for the Church and loyalty to his country, Vance said he makes “prudential judgments” informed by Church teachings but ultimately prioritizes his duty to the American people.
The Complex Debate Over Immigration and Migrant Dignity
One of the most sensitive topics Vance addressed was immigration — an issue that has frequently put the Trump administration at odds with the Vatican and Catholic leaders.
He acknowledged the Church’s teaching that countries have the right to secure their borders but also emphasized the need to uphold the dignity of migrants.
“You have to be able to hold two ideas at once,” he said, recognizing the struggles of people fleeing violence and poverty while affirming his “sacred obligation” to enforce U.S. laws and protect the common good of legal residents.
Vance spoke candidly about conversations he had with several cardinals in Rome who disagreed strongly with his immigration views.
He stressed that his concern is about preserving social cohesion — building a society where families thrive and communities hold together — and warned that rapid, high-volume immigration risks undermining that unity.
“This isn’t about hating migrants,” he said. “It’s about trying to keep our nation unified.”
A Personal Journey to Faith and Public Service
JD Vance’s conversion to Catholicism came in 2019 when he was 35 years old.
He is now the second Catholic to serve as Vice President of the United States, following Joe Biden’s tenure under Barack Obama.
His story illustrates the challenges of weaving personal faith with the responsibilities of high political office — navigating complex moral questions while leading a diverse nation.