JD Vance Speaks at National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington [Full Speech]

On February 28, 2025, Vice President J.D. Vance delivered a speech at the 20th annual National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., reflecting on his role as a Catholic convert, the Trump administration’s policies, and broader societal values. Vance, 30 days into his vice presidency, humorously admitted to struggling with his government computer and improvising his remarks, jokingly assuring the audience it was “off the record”—despite media presence. He expressed gratitude to figures like Maureen Ferguson for personal support, Congressman Chris Smith for leadership, and Mark Randall for hosting. Vance highlighted his attendance at the prior year’s event as a senator, crediting the community for aiding his political ascent.

Policy-wise, Vance praised Trump for advancing Catholic interests—protecting pro-life advocates, opposing late-term abortions, and promoting religious liberty—contrasting this with the previous administration’s alleged targeting of pro-life Catholics. He emphasized Trump’s pursuit of peace as a cornerstone, arguing that U.S. foreign policy missteps, like those destabilizing Christian communities in Ukraine or the Middle East, undermine global religious freedom. Vance pledged an open-door policy for faith communities, inviting feedback to pierce his “Secret Service bubble.”

Personally, Vance reflected on his Catholic conversion, calling himself a “baby Catholic” still learning the faith. He shared how sacramental discipline—like confession—improved his Mass attendance to “95% of Sundays,” underscoring grace as a gradual process. He tied this to policy, advocating for a focus on family flourishing over mere economic metrics, citing his son’s November 2024 baptism as a personal highlight dwarfing electoral victories. Addressing tensions with clergy, like Pope Francis’s critiques of Trump’s immigration stance, Vance urged Catholics to respect spiritual leaders without obsessing over social media disputes, advocating a balanced approach rooted in tradition.

Vance concluded with an emotional tribute to Pope Francis, recalling the pontiff’s 2020 St. Peter’s Square homily during COVID as a touchstone of faith amidst crisis. Quoting its themes of vulnerability and resilience, he led a prayer for the Pope’s health amid reported illness, framing it as a call to build “antibodies against adversity.” X posts from attendees praised Vance’s sincerity, though some criticized his policy glosses, reflecting polarized reception. The speech blended personal faith, political messaging, and a plea for unity, cementing Vance’s identity as a Catholic voice in the administration.