Pope Leo XIV called out JD Vance with scathing statement just weeks before being first American elected

JD Vance may've issued his support for Pope Leo XIV taking over from Pope Francis but that certainly doesn't mean the feeling is mutual.

On May 8 it was revealed Cardinal Robert Prevost would be donning the miter and taking over as leader of the Church from Pope Francis following his passing last month.

The 69-year-old - whose papal name is Pope Leo XIV - is the first American pope to be elected into the position.

And ever the patriot, the news was welcomed with open arms by US president Donald Trump alongside vice president JD Vance - even if the POTUS did originally joke about being next in line for the post himself.

However, is the respect and praise one-sided? Well, when it comes to JD Vance, Leo certainly hasn't held back in the past.

The newly elected pope seemingly hit out at Vance on Twitter by resharing an op-ed from the National Catholic Reporter titled: "JD Vance is wrong: Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others."

The article came after comments Vance made to Fox News in February, saying: "There is a Christian concept that you love your family and then you love your neighbor, and then you love your community, and then you love your fellow citizens, and then after that, prioritize the rest of the world.

"A lot of the far left has completely inverted that."

Yes Vance, he's looking at you (Franco Origlia/Getty Images)

Despite Pope Leo's sharing of comments made about Vance, the vice president issued his support for the first American pope in a post to Twitter on the day the announcement was officially made.

Vance tweeted: "Congratulations to Leo XIV, the first American Pope, on his election! I’m sure millions of American Catholics and other Christians will pray for his successful work leading the Church. May God bless him!"

He didn't hold back (drprevost/X)

It follows Trump similarly taking to Truth Social to give his stamp of approval too, writing: "Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope.

"What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country.

"I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!"

Trump's comments were also delivered despite the multiple posts - and there really are quite a few - Leo has shared which criticize his policies.