JD Vance criticized for breaking protocol with Pope Leo XIV – ‘Cringey’ arm pat sparks backlash

Vice President JD Vance is facing criticism after casually patting Pope Leo XIV on the arm during a formal Vatican meeting—breaking centuries-old protocol and sparking outrage online.

During a recent trip to the Vatican, Vice President JD Vance met with Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff. What should have been a respectful moment quickly turned controversial when Vance lightly touched the pope’s arm—an action considered inappropriate under strict Vatican etiquette.

The moment was caught on video and has since gone viral, drawing harsh criticism from observers who saw it as disrespectful and tone-deaf.

One user on social media posted, “That casual grabbing of the Pope’s arm like they’re bros was cringey. Show some respect.” Another added, “Vance seems to think the Pope is his bar room buddy.”

This public reaction follows earlier backlash from Vance’s Vatican visit, where he broke museum rules by posing for a photo with his young son under the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel—where photography is strictly prohibited.

Tensions already high between Vance and Pope Leo

The awkward elbow pat comes on the heels of longstanding political tension between Vance and Pope Leo XIV. Before becoming pope, Leo—then Cardinal Robert Prevost—criticized Vance’s use of Christianity to justify mass deportations.

“There is a Christian concept that you love your family… then after that, prioritize the rest of the world,” Vance said in an interview, defending strict immigration policies. In response, Leo tweeted, “JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn’t ask us to rank our love for others.”

Though the tweet has since been deleted, it highlights the deep ideological divide between the vice president and the pope.

🇺🇸✝️ Pope Leo XIV greets Vice President J.D. Vance, Second Lady Usha Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Mrs. Jeanette Rubio following his Inaugural Mass at the Vatican. pic.twitter.com/NnSiSbLw7u

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 18, 2025

Breaking the rules of papal etiquette

Meeting the pope is not like meeting an average world leader. There are long-standing traditions and formalities—rules that dignitaries are expected to follow.

These include:

• Waiting for an introduction before speaking
• Referring to the pope as “Your Holiness”
• Avoiding physical contact unless the pope initiates it

So when Vance reached out and patted Pope Leo’s arm, it wasn’t just a casual moment—it was a break from respected protocol. Critics quickly labeled it “low class” and “inappropriate,” and some noted that Pope Leo seemed visibly uncomfortable after the encounter.

Playing it cool

In a recent interview, Vance brushed off any suggestion of conflict with the new pope. “I’m sure he’s going to say a lot of things that I love. I’m sure he’ll say some things that I disagree with,” Vance said. “But I’ll continue to pray for him and the Church despite it all and through it all.”

He added that he doesn’t believe the Church should be forced into political boxes, saying, “It would be better for all of us if we allowed the Church to be about the saving of souls.”

But for many, the physical gesture spoke louder than his words.

This isn’t the first time Vance has been accused of disrespecting Catholic traditions. His unauthorized photo in the Sistine Chapel just a day before meeting the pope already had critics questioning his awareness—or concern—for rules.

Now, with this latest blunder involving Pope Leo, some see a pattern of behavior that clashes with the dignity and decorum expected in Vatican City.

Pope Leo XIV’s papacy is historic—he’s the first American to lead the Catholic Church and has shown a willingness to challenge political figures, including those from his own country. That makes respectful diplomacy all the more important.

Vance, a Catholic convert and a rising figure in U.S. politics, had the chance to build bridges during this meeting. Instead, his casual approach has raised eyebrows and deepened divisions.

While a simple arm pat may seem minor, in the Vatican’s world of tradition and symbolism, gestures matter. For many Catholics, this wasn’t just a social slip—it was a sign of deeper cultural and political disrespect.

As the world watches the dynamic between America’s vice president and the new pope unfold, one thing is clear – in the Vatican, small gestures can carry great meaning.