ATHENS, GEORGIA — Vice President JD Vance rebuked Pope Leo XIV over the pope's criticisms of U.S. foreign policy at a Turning Point USA event in Athens, Georgia. Vance, a Catholic, said the pontiff should be careful when he talks about theology.

During the event, Vance drew a parallel between the responsibilities of political leaders and religious leaders in their public statements. He said that while it is important for the vice president to be careful when talking about public policy, it is also important for the pope to be careful when talking about matters of theology. Vance argued that Pope Leo XIV failed to take into account conflicts such as World War II when commenting on theology.

The vice president said he believed God was on the side of the Americans who liberated France from the Nazis and those who survived the Holocaust. He also said that anyone who speaks on matters of theology, including Catholic or Protestant clergy, must ensure their statements are anchored in truth.

Vance's remarks came in response to comments the pope made critical of U.S. foreign policy. "Jesus is never on the side of those who once wielded the sword and today drop bombs," Pope Leo XIV said.

Vance also said he likes it when the pope weighs in on issues such as abortion, immigration, or matters of war and peace, while adding that he sometimes disagrees with the pontiff.