Vice President JD Vance praised the Trump administration’s foreign policy efforts to protect "Christian rights all over the world" during the 20th annual National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington. Vance highlighted President Trump’s focus on pursuing peace as aligned with Christian social teaching and the Catholic faith, emphasizing the importance of preserving historical Christian communities globally.
Ahead of a meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, Vance commended Trump’s initiatives for peace in regions like Russia, Ukraine, and the Middle East, viewing them as vital for upholding Christian values and saving lives. The upcoming discussion between Trump and Zelensky was anticipated to address American aid to Ukraine, with Trump suggesting the possibility of a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine being imminent.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other Trump administration officials had engaged in negotiations with a Russian delegation earlier, prompting Zelensky to express his firm stance against any decisions made about Ukraine without Ukrainian involvement. Despite the focus on foreign policy, Vance also touched on the significance of Christian faith in public life, humorously referring to his recent conversion to Catholicism and acknowledging differences in views, particularly regarding immigration policies in relation to Pope Francis’s criticisms.
Vance urged American Catholics to approach disagreements respectfully and avoid undue emphasis on political criticisms within the Church, emphasizing the need for mutual understanding and constructive dialogue. While recognizing differing perspectives, Vance underscored the care and leadership role of Pope Francis within the Christian community, leading attendees in a prayer for the Holy Father’s well-being.
The event, themed "hope," drew around 1,400 attendees, including notable figures like Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler, Missouri Senator Josh Hawley, and former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson. Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ) received the "Christifideles Laici Award" for his contributions to the Catholic Church, lauded for his efforts in fighting the global AIDS pandemic and advancing pro-life policies. Smith also commended Trump’s support for the pro-life movement, highlighting the progress towards a culture of life both in America and globally.