Pope Leo Snubs Vance After Inaugural Mass In Vatican

India-West News Desk          

WASHINGTON, DC – Pope Leo XIV greeted Vice President JD Vance with only a brief handshake after his inaugural Mass on May 18, while holding extended private meetings with world leaders.

The 17-second exchange with Vance who attended along with his wife Usha, came during the post-Mass procession and was widely viewed by the world media as a snub. In contrast,

Pope Leo’s sermon addressed global injustice, criticizing economic systems that exploit the environment and marginalize the poor. “We still see too much discord, too many wounds caused by hatred, violence, prejudice, the fear of difference,” he said.

The White House refused to comment on whether Vance sought a longer meeting.

Before becoming pope, Father Robert Prevost reposted several critiques of Vance’s immigration stance, including an op-ed titled “JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.” Other posts highlighted the struggles of deported migrants.

Vance deflected criticism in a recent interview, saying, “I try not to play the politicization of the Pope game.”

His ties with Catholic leadership have been tense. In February, the late Pope Francis rebuked Vance’s defense of deportations, warning such actions harm human dignity. Vance met briefly with Francis on April 20; the pope died the next day.

On May 17, Vance visited Francis’ tomb, writing on X that he was “praying for the repose of his soul.”