JD Vance says Vatican hopefully 'learned' from Trump on immigration after its ‘troubling’ stance
WASHINGTON, DC: Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday, June 30, criticized the Vatican's position on immigration, saying he disagrees with some remarks from Pope Leo and describing some of the Church's statements as "troubling."
Vance defended the Trump administration's immigration policies while calling for broader discussion about the effects of mass migration on American communities. His remarks come after Pope Leo repeatedly criticized the administration's treatment of migrants and called for reflection on US immigration policies.
JD Vance disputes Vatican's immigration position
Vance said he welcomed continued dialogue between the Trump administration and the Catholic Church but rejected the Vatican's recent criticism of the administration's immigration agenda.
"I do think that some of the things that have come out of the Vatican on the immigration question in particular have been troubling, and ultimately I disagree with it," Vance told Fox News.
Vance on the pope: What I would hope that the catholic leadership has learned from some of the things that me and Marco and the president have said about immigration is, it's not just about the dignity of the immigrant. It's also about the dignity of the native-born factory… pic.twitter.com/SqCptS3j0K
— Acyn (@Acyn) June 30, 2026
While disagreeing with Pope Leo's position, Vance said differing views between political leaders and the Church were natural. "I actually like this interplay... We don't always have to agree on these issues," he said, adding that "the fact that we're actually having the right conversations" benefits both sides.
The vice president also expressed hope that Catholic leaders would reconsider their approach after hearing arguments made by the administration. "What I would hope is that the Catholic leadership has learned from some of the things that me and Marco and the President have said about immigration is, it's not just about the dignity of the immigrant," Vance said.
He argued the debate should also consider "the dignity of the native-born factory worker who has their wages destroyed." Vance added that in conversations with Catholic leaders who oppose the administration's immigration policies, he encourages them to remember that "mass migration has victims."
“You can't just view things from the perspective of the illegal immigrant. You've also got to view things from the perspective of the native-born people who have their lives upended by mass migration," he said.
Pope Leo has repeatedly criticized Trump's immigration policies
Vance's remarks follow repeated criticism from Pope Leo, the first American-born pontiff, over the Trump administration's immigration policies.
The pope has urged what he described as a "deep reflection" on the treatment of migrants in the United States and has characterized the administration's approach as "extremely disrespectful" toward immigrants. He has also criticized what he called their "inhuman" treatment.
President Donald Trump has defended his administration's immigration crackdown, saying the measures are intended to strengthen border security, improve public safety and reduce illegal immigration.
Vance said he is not concerned by the ongoing exchanges between the administration and the Vatican, arguing that open discussion between political leaders and religious institutions remains healthy. "I think that argument will ultimately win the day, but I'm not afraid of the conversation," Vance said. "I think it's a good thing, and it's a good role for the Church to play."
