Vance wrapped up his speech by recalling how Pope Francis guided him and the Catholic faithful through the pandemic. “That is how I will always remember the Holy Father: as a great pastor, as a man who could speak the truths of the faith in a very profound way at a moment of great crisis,” he said.

JD Vance shared that though he was “surprised" by Pope Francis’ criticism of President Trump’s immigration policy, he believes the pontiff is “fundamentally a person who cares about the flock of Christians.