'Has no idea what he's talking about': John Cleese slams JD Vance over remarks on Pope Leo XIV

Vice President J.D. Vance recently suggested that Pope Leo XIV should be more careful when addressing theological matters. Vance's statement, while recieving he administration's support, continues to face notable pushback from public figures. Actor and comedian John Cleese is among the latest to criticize the Trump administration's feud with the pontiff. In a post on X, Cleese said that the Vice President exhibited "the supreme confidence of someone who has no idea that he has no idea what he's talking about."

Cleese's comments were in response to a video of Vance speaking at a Turning Point event. In the footage, Vance addressed Pope Leo XIV's recent assertion that God is never on the side of those who wage war. Invoking a thousand-year-old tradition of "just war theory," Vance advised the Pope to be more careful when speaking on such theological issues.

Vance, however, softened his stance in a social media post on Sunday after the Pope clarified that it was not his intention to debate the President. Aboard the Shepherd One, Pope Leo said, "There's been a certain narrative that has not been accurate in all of its aspects, but because of the political situation created when, on the first day of the trip, the President of the United States made some comments about myself. Much of what has been written since then has been more commentary on commentary," the Pope said, adding, "The talk that I gave at the prayer meeting for peace...was prepared two weeks ago. Well before the President ever commented on myself and the message of peace that I'm promoting...it was looked at as if I'm trying to debate the President, which is not my interest at all."

Sharing a video of the statement, Vice President Vance thanked Pope Leo for his comments and criticized media narratives. "Pope Leo preaches the gospel, as he should, and that will inevitably mean he offers his opinions on the moral issues of the day. The President–and the entire administration–work to apply those moral principles in a messy world," Vance said.

Earlier, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) aligned with Pope Leo XIV over his comments on the injustices of war. The "just war" mentioned by Vance, the USCCB said in a press release, must be used as a defensive measure against a power that actively waged war.

"When Pope Leo XIV speaks as supreme pastor of the universal Church, he is not merely offering opinions on theology; he is preaching the Gospel and exercising his ministry as the Vicar of Christ. The consistent teaching of the Church is insistent that all people of goodwill must pray and work toward lasting peace while avoiding the evils and injustices that accompany all wars," USCCB said.