'He'll Be In Our Prayers': JD Vance Thanks Pope Leo For Downplaying Feud With Trump Over Iran

Last Updated:April 19, 2026, 10:51 IST

VP JD Vance thanks Pope Leo XIV for easing talk of a rift with Trump, Pope says his tyrants remark was misread, denies feud and avoids direct debate over Iran policy

United States Vice President JD Vance on Sunday thanked Pope Leo XIV for clarifying his position, pushing back against media narratives suggesting a deep rift between the Vatican and Donald Trump.

In a post on X, Vance said public portrayals of tensions between the Pope and the US administration were often overstated. “I am grateful to Pope Leo for saying this. While the media narrative constantly gins up conflict–and yes, real disagreements have happened and will happen–the reality is often much more complicated," he wrote.

The Vice President also distinguished religious and political roles, noting, “Pope Leo preaches the gospel, as he should, and that will inevitably mean he offers his opinions on the moral issues of the day. The President–and the entire administration–work to apply those moral principles in a messy world."

Pope Downplays Tensions With Trump

Earlier, the Pope, speaking to journalists aboard a flight to Angola, sought to ease speculation of a feud. He said coverage of his earlier remarks had not been fully accurate and clarified that his comments about the world being “ravaged by a handful of tyrants" were prepared weeks before President Donald Trump’s criticism.

“As it happens, it was looked at as if I was trying to debate the president, which is not in my interest at all," he said, adding, “I am not afraid of the Trump administration."

All About Trump-Pope ‘Fued’

Tensions had risen after Trump reiterated his stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, stating, “I say Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon," and warning of global consequences. He also criticised the Pope directly, urging him to recognise Iran’s actions.

Responding earlier, the Pope maintained distance from political confrontation. “I think that the people who read will be able to draw their own conclusions. I am not a politician. I have no intention of entering into a debate with Donald Trump," he said, while urging peace and cautioning against the misuse of religion.

“Woe to those who manipulate religion and the very name of God for their own military, economic, and political gain, dragging that which is sacred into darkness and filth," he added.

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