Additional Coverage:
- JD Vance sparks fury by breaking Vatican protocol and ‘basically giving god the finger’ (themirror.com)
Vice President JD Vance is facing criticism after a photo emerged of him and his son inside the Sistine Chapel. The image, shared by Vance on social media, appears to violate the chapel’s strict no-photography policy.
Social media users quickly pointed out the apparent infraction, with some accusing the Vice President of disrespecting the sanctity of the space. Others, referencing recent online jokes about Vance and the late Pope Francis, suggested the photo was another example of a gaffe by the Vice President.
The White House has clarified that the photo was taken by official White House photographer Emily Higgins, though the circumstances surrounding the picture remain unclear. While the Vice President is not the first high-profile figure to be photographed inside the chapel – former First Lady Michelle Obama also posed for a picture there – the incident has reignited debate about appropriate conduct within sacred spaces.
This latest controversy comes amid a wave of online humor targeting Vance, including unsubstantiated conspiracy theories linking him to the Pope’s recent passing. Some jokes have focused on the timing of the Pope’s death shortly after meeting with Vance.
The Vice President’s meeting with Pope Francis was already the subject of discussion, given the Pope’s previous criticism of the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Reports also indicated that the Pope initially appeared to snub Vance, leading to a conversation with other Vatican officials instead. Despite these apparent tensions, the Pope reportedly gifted Vance chocolate Easter eggs for his children.