Sen. Warnock Challenges VP Vance's Pope Comments

On Sunday, Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) told CNN's *State of the Union* that he respects Vice President Vance's personal faith journey but objects to Vance's claim that Pope Leo XIV should “stay in his lane” when commenting on theology. Warnock warned that such remarks risk turning religion into a political tool.

The Hill

Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, has publicly opposed the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran. In March, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth cited Scripture on *60 Minutes*, describing the Iran strikes as a fight against “religious fanatics” and urging troops to rely on their faith. These statements illustrate the intertwining of faith and policy.

The Hill

The debate involves Sen. Raphael Warnock, Vice President Vance (author of *Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith*), Pope Leo XIV, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and House Speaker Mike Johnson, who led a prayer before passing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

The Hill

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, enacted last summer, changed eligibility for Medicaid and SNAP. Congressional Budget Office analysis cited by Warnock suggests the changes could reduce program access for many Americans. Warnock noted that lawmakers “cut a trillion dollars out of Medicaid” and “cut SNAP and kicked people off of their health care” after a prayer session.

The Hill

Warnock described his faith as a bridge rather than a weapon and said he accepts Vance's Christian confession at face value. He urged caution when public officials use theology to shape policy. The source provides no direct reply from Vice President Vance.

The Hill

Warnock characterized Vance’s remarks as an effort to constrain the Pope’s moral authority and cautioned that religion can become another instrument in ideological battles. No opposing viewpoint appears in the available material.

The Hill

The article does not reproduce Vance’s original remarks nor the Pope’s exact statements on Iran, leaving the specific theological disagreement undocumented.

The Hill

• “I take his Christian confession at his word. I don’t question that.” — Raphael Warnock, U.S. Senator (GA)

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• “And so, I just worry that sometimes … religion becomes one more tool in the ideological toolbox,” — Raphael Warnock, U.S. Senator (GA)

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• “My faith is not a weapon. It is a bridge.” — Raphael Warnock, U.S. Senator (GA)

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• “I’m a man of faith who encourages our troops to lean into their faith, rely on God,” — Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of Defense

The Hill

Warnock’s comments may spark further debate over the use of religious language in U.S. policy. Observers will watch for a response from Vice President Vance and for additional statements from religious leaders as the Iran conflict proceeds.

The Hill