JD Vance, seated front-row at the Vatican on May 18, witnesses Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural Mass as the first U.S.-born pontiff. Flanked by global leaders and his wife, Vance’s journey from atheist Marine to Catholic vice president draws surreal attention and a polite, ironic grin.

Vatican watchers buzz as Vance, recently baptized and second Catholic VP, exchanges brief words with Leo XIV. The historic moment lands among trending Catholic news, as Vance sidesteps papal rebukes and departs Rome with a prayer—leaving the world picturing a faith-fueled motorcade.