What You Need to Know
• Senator JD Vance is attending Pope Leo XIV’s first mass in Vatican City
• He says he will be peaceful, though his reputation has Vatican officials on alert
• Security measures are subtle, but incense volume has been increased just in case
Vatican Extends a Cautious Welcome
VATICAN CITY — Senator JD Vance will be in attendance for Pope Leo XIV’s first mass this Sunday. His team confirmed the visit earlier this week. He stated that he intends to be calm, respectful, and present as a quiet observer.
The Vatican has acknowledged his attendance but noted it has made “mild adjustments” to seating, staffing, and incense strategy.
Vance Says He’s Just There to Observe
The Ohio senator says he accepted the invitation out of respect for Catholic tradition. He added that he’s looking forward to hearing the Pope’s message and admiring the “historic acoustics.” When asked if he had any agenda, he replied, “Just showing up. Definitely not plotting anything.”
His aides say he will keep commentary to a minimum, though one staffer mentioned he packed a rosary and a Sharpie “just in case.”
Security Measures Stay Subtle
While the Vatican has not expressed public concern, additional Swiss Guards have been assigned near Vance’s seating area. Officials emphasized this is standard protocol for visiting U.S. lawmakers, especially those who speak at rallies using phrases like “the real spiritual war.”
He will sit behind the Vatican press corps and in front of a delegation of European centrists who requested “some breathing room.”
The Gift Remains a Mystery
When asked whether he plans to offer the Pope a gift, Vance smiled and shrugged. Rumors suggest he may bring a rosary, a framed page from Hillbilly Elegy, or a single dollar bill signed “Judeo-Christian values, 2025.”
His team added that if the homily goes long, he reserves the right to mentally drift into midterm strategy.
