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Sen. Kennedy: Trump-Pope Feud Distracts from Economy

4/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) says the feud between U.S. President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV distracts from the economy.
In a Fox News interview, Kennedy, a longtime Trump supporter, says he respects Catholicism and questions the conflict.
Trump's remarks have reportedly alienated some Catholic voters and signal a growing Catholic-voter divide.
Vice President JD Vance defended Trump, suggesting the pope should avoid political commentary.

History

Historical Context

John F. Kennedy's election as the first Catholic president in 1960 marked a significant moment in U.S. history, as he garnered 78% of the Catholic vote despite widespread Protestant skepticism about his faith. This tension resurfaced in contemporary politics, with President Trump's remarks reportedly alienating Catholic voters, reflecting the ongoing complexities of religion's role in American electoral dynamics.

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Story summary

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) says the feud between U.S. President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV distracts from the economy.
In a Fox News interview, Kennedy, a longtime Trump supporter, says he respects Catholicism and questions the conflict.
Trump's remarks have reportedly alienated some Catholic voters and signal a growing Catholic-voter divide.
Vice President JD Vance defended Trump, suggesting the pope should avoid political commentary.

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