Featured Image Credit: Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images
Topics: JD Vance, Politics, Pope Francis, Religion
Niamh Shackleton
Topics: JD Vance, Politics, Pope Francis, Religion
JD Vance has found himself in hot water following his recent trip to Italy which saw him visit the late Pope Francis.
The vice president of the United States jetted to the European country last week and met with a series of notable figures - one of those being Pope Francis, who Vance met with just hours before the his passing.
Pope Francis, who acted at the head of the Catholic Church for over a decade, died on Easter Monday (April 21) and will be laid to rest this Saturday.
Vance, who was baptized in 2019, paid his respects to Pope Francis on social media following his death.
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"I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis," he wrote. "My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him."
Vance's tribute continued: "I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID.
"It was really quite beautiful. May God rest his soul."
While the controversial politician's visit to Vatican City seemingly went well, he's since caused controversy after a photo of him in the Sistine Chapel was shared online.
Someone gushed online of the photograph in question: "An epic shot of Vice President JD Vance and his son inside the Sistine Chapel. What an incredible way to spend Easter weekend."
However, others were quick to point out that photography in the historic chapel is strictly prohibited.
Someone fumed on Twitter: "For anyone who still says JD is a 'good guy,' um...wut? Taking this pic is basically like giving God the finger. It's prohibited to preserve the amazing art and sanctity of the space."
"I'm not Catholic, and even I know this. You'd think the #VP would, too," they added.
"You do NOT take pictures in the sistine chapel. No respect," said another.
A third weighed in: "To take photos in the Sistine Chapel is strictly forbidden! Every true Catholic knows this.
"This pictures shows what’s wrong: Rules are only to be followed by others but not the American government - utterly despicable!"
And their comments are right.
The Sistine Chapel's official website states: "Taking pictures and filming videos in the Sistine Chapel is strictly prohibited. It is allowed to take pictures without flash inside the Vatican Museums."
Vance isn't alone in facing backlash for such photos; the likes of Russel Crowe and Jason Momoa have also been called out for taking snaps in the centuries-old chapel.