On a recent episode of The Patrick Madrid Show, a caller named Tyler from Santa Barbara posed a thoughtful question that caught the listeners’ attention.
“Why didn’t Vice President JD Vance kiss Pope Leo’s ring?”
Patrick offered his usual blend of wisdom and balance, explaining that ring-kissing is a tradition, not a requirement. The custom, which dates back to the Middle Ages, is a gesture of reverence toward the Pope as the Vicar of Christ, but not kissing the ring isn’t sinful or disrespectful.
Patrick pointed out that there are often diplomatic protocols in play, especially when high-ranking officials are involved. While Vance isn’t a head of state, he’s still a prominent U.S. leader, and protocols for formal meetings might have been agreed upon ahead of time.
Patrick invited listeners to give JD Vance some grace. Two important points:
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Vance is a recent Catholic convert, and traditions like ring-kissing may not be second nature to him yet.
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He comes from a humble, working-class background. A “no-frills” approach might feel more natural to him than formal gestures of honor or pageantry.
Patrick also reflected on the cultural context. America’s DNA includes a deep anti-aristocracy sentiment—no kings, no crowns, no courts. This mindset can affect how even devout Catholics in public office interact with Church leaders.
With ongoing anti-Catholic undertones still present in parts of the culture, Vance may have simply opted for discretion, choosing a respectful but neutral gesture to avoid being seen as overly deferential to what some might perceive as a “foreign prince.”
Patrick’s bottom line: It’s okay to wonder, but it’s also okay to give people the benefit of the doubt. In a Church built on tradition, charity always comes first. And in this case, JD Vance may have been navigating both faith and diplomacy with care.