US Vice President JD Vance has come under fire online for making what many consider an inappropriate gesture during his meeting with the newly elected Pope Leo XIV.
Vance was seen lightly patting the pope on the elbow following a handshake after the papal inauguration mass at St Peter’s Square on Sunday. Social media users described the act as overly familiar, disrespectful, and a breach of Vatican protocol.
JD Vance, joined by his wife, Usha Vance, met Pope Leo XIV following the pontiff’s inaugural Mass in St. Peter’s Square.
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) May 18, 2025
What do you notice? pic.twitter.com/rQXxObUqUH
Vatican etiquette discourages any uninvited physical contact with the pope, apart from shaking hands or kissing the papal ring. Many online said Vance’s gesture resembled greeting an old friend, which some described as condescending.
No-class Vance actually tries to do a shoulder-slap (wayyyyy too casual and familiar) ON THE POPE (!) at the end.
— A.J. Delgado (@AJDelgado13) May 18, 2025
Incredible! https://t.co/s3Y1kQkeCv
“He embarrassed himself at the Vatican,” one user wrote. Others said he showed poor manners and disrespect for sacred tradition.
I can't believe they let jd vance back into the vatican after the last pope he laid his gorish eyeliners on died.
— Cousin Focaccia 💐 (@ieesssh) May 19, 2025
The way the Pope shook his body after little Mr. Cyanide Eyes touched his elbow is very telling. https://t.co/laIH4HjJdJ
The criticism follows another controversial moment last month when Vance was accused of violating Vatican rules by posting photographs from inside the Sistine Chapel, where photography is strictly prohibited.
Pope Leo XIV, the first American elected as head of the Catholic Church, has previously been critical of several Republican policies, including those endorsed by Vance and Trump.
Despite their differing political stances, the Vatican meeting between Vance and Pope Leo appeared cordial until the criticised gesture took place.
When asked about the pope’s political views, Vance said he would “pray for him and the Church through it all.”
Previously, JD Vance met Pope Francis on Easter Sunday, just hours before the pope died of a stroke. The timing of the meeting led to a wave of memes and dark jokes on social media, with many users reacting to the unusual turn of events.
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