U.S. Vice President JD Vance is under fire again for breaking Vatican protocol—this time during his meeting with newly elected Pope Leo XIV on May 18. After exchanging greetings, Vance was seen gently patting the pope’s elbow, a gesture many found disrespectful. One X user wrote: “J.D. Vance embarrassed himself again at the Vatican when he attempted to pat Pope Leo XIV on the shoulder like a drinking buddy.”
Etiquette experts say touching the pope—aside from a handshake or ring kiss—is only allowed if invited. One critic said: “Why on earth @JDVance is touching the Pope by his shoulder? It’s an awful breach of protocol.” The gesture was called “overly familiar,” “condescending,” and compared to patting “a puppy’s head.”
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
Vance recently sparked outrage for sharing photos from inside the Sistine Chapel—where photography is strictly banned—during a visit with the late Pope Francis in April.
Pope Leo, the first American pontiff, has publicly criticized Trump-era policies. Vance responded: “I’ll continue to pray for him and the Church despite it all and through it all.”
