The United States has had its share of prominent Catholic statesmen, but never one like Vice President JD Vance. As a relative newcomer to the faith, the Millennial convert strikes a sharp contrast to the Boomer cradle Catholic politicians who up to now have been the most visible Catholics in national politics.
Some commentators regard Vance’s convert status as a weakness and grounds to dismiss his Catholic credentials, particularly after Pope Francis appeared to criticize the vice president’s usage of the ordo amoris. Vance himself acknowledged his “baby Catholic” status at last month’s National Catholic Prayer Breakfast, where he also urged his fellow Catholics to let him know when he gets things wrong.
But while Vance’s convert status might explain possible missteps he’s made as a Catholic statesman thus far, I’d contend that it has the potential to be his greatest strength.
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