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JD Vance's Catholic Conversion: From Atheist to Crusader

publication · 2026-06-27

JD Vance's new book 'Communion' details his 2019 conversion to Roman Catholicism, exploring how his Appalachian upbringing viewed the Church as foreign and exotic. The final chapter reads as a program for subordinating the state to the Church, raising questions about his potential 2028 presidential bid as the first Republican Catholic. Vance wondered what his late grandmother Mamaw would think, recalling childhood taunts that Catholics were servants of the Antichrist. His family had a personal relationship with Jesus but rarely attended church, making Rome's rituals and foreign leadership seem alien.

Key facts

  • JD Vance converted to Roman Catholicism in 2019.
  • His new book is titled 'Communion'.
  • The final chapter advocates for state subordination to the Church.
  • Vance could be the first Republican Catholic in the White House in 2028.
  • His grandmother Mamaw had no issue with Catholics.
  • He heard as a child that Catholics were servants of the Antichrist.
  • His Appalachian family found Catholic rituals and foreign leadership exotic.
  • Vance's family claimed a personal relationship with Jesus but rarely attended church.

Entities

Institutions

  • Roman Catholic Church

Locations

  • Ohio
  • Appalachia

Sources