Scott Jennings, former adviser to President George W. Bush, said that he thinks Vice President JD Vance “had it backwards” when he said that Pope Leo XIV should “be careful” when he speaks about theology.
Jennings’ remark comes days after the pontiff welcomed a ceasefire in the Iran war and after President Donald Trump accused the pope of being “weak on crime.”
Newsweek reached out to the White House via email for comment late Wednesday night.
Why It Matters
Leo’s praise of a ceasefire in the Middle East and his condemnation of violence somewhat escalated the Vatican’s public pressure for de-escalation.
The pope’s remarks come amid Trump’s attack on the first American pope, and Vance’s comments, which underscore potential political and religious tensions within the United States as the conflict in Iran continue shaping domestic debate.
What To Know
Jennings’ remarks reference an event in Georgia hosted by Turning Point USA on Tuesday, where Vance told the audience that when Leo discusses theology, “it’s very, very important for the pope to be careful.” In an interview with Fox News, Vance also said in part that “it would be best for the Vatican to stick to matters of morality.” Vance added that “it’s a natural thing” and he’s not “worried about it” too much when the two are conflicting.
While speaking on CNN Wednesday night, Jennings said, “Yeah, I heard the vice president there, I actually think he had it backwards. I think that the pope should be talking about theology; I respect the pope’s role in running the Catholic Church.”
“I also respect Donald Trump and JD Vance’s role in American politics. That’s their realm in which to be speaking their mind. So, I thought he had it backwards,” Jennings added.
The conservative political commentator also said that Leo has a “tremendous opportunity” before mentioning a potential partnership for peace with the “terrorist regime” in Iran.
Trump previously posted to Truth Social in part that Leo was “WEAK on Crime” and “terrible for Foreign Policy,” marking unprecedented criticism of a pope by a sitting U.S. president.
Taking to X last week, Leo said, “God does not bless any conflict. Anyone who is a disciple of Christ, the Prince of Peace, is never on the side of those who once wielded the sword and today drop bombs. Military action will not create space for freedom or times of #Peace, which comes only from the patient promotion of coexistence and dialogue among peoples.”
What Happens Next
U.S. domestic debate over the conflict in Iran is expected to continue. It is unknown if Leo will address Vance’s comments directly, but he said in part when reacting to Trump’s remarks that he “will continue to speak out loudly against war.”
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