JD Vance reflects on faith journey in new book about Catholic conversion
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
SPECIAL: Vice President J.D. Vance said years spent pursuing academic, professional and financial success eventually led him to seek something deeper, leading him back to Christianity and eventually the Catholic faith he practices today.
“I was really worried about where I went to school, what kind of job I had, and how much money I was making. But I felt like that didn’t make me a good person, whereas the Christians in my life seemed to have figured that out,” Vance said in an interview with Fox News Digital as his new memoir, “Community: Finding My Way Back to Faith,” hit shelves.
Regardless of whether they are rich or poor, regardless of their background or education. They were much better people; They were much more compassionate and much kinder.”
Vance’s book, released Tuesday, chronicles the path that took him from a Protestant childhood to atheism and ultimately to the Catholic faith he embraces today. Vance’s thoughts come as he is increasingly viewed as one of the Republican Party’s strongest potential presidential candidates for 2028.
JD VANCE PUBLISHES A BOOK ABOUT HIS FAITH JOURNEY, CONVERT TO CATHOLISM
Vice President J.D. Vance and his family, including his wife Usha Vance and their three children, pose for a photo in front of the Taj Mahal in Agra, India, on April 23, 2025. (Kenny Holston/Pool/Reuters)
“I had a lot of people who were very nice to me, but I felt at home in the churches I would go to with my Catholic friends, and that was a big reason why I converted,” Vance told Fox News Digital.
He came to believe that the joy, kindness, and character he saw in the Christians around him stemmed from their faith.
“Some of these people call the Catholic Church their home. And I would go to church with them or talk to them about various things that were on my mind…sometimes God puts people before you,” Vance said.
WHAT IS THE SECOND LADY USHA VANCE WORKING FOR ON MOTHER’S DAY AND AS A MOTHER
Vice President J.D. Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, attend the Commander in Chief’s Ball in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
He shared that he likes that American Christianity is “dynamic” in terms of its various denominations.
Vance made headlines in October when he spoke about his wife’s Hindu faith and shared his desire for her to convert.
“Do I hope that eventually he will be influenced in some way by the same thing that I was influenced by in the church? Yes, frankly, I hope that,” Vance said at the time.
In his book, the vice president points out that it was his wife who helped take the children to Sunday mass, even though she did not practice the Catholic faith.
JD VANCE DEFENDS HIS WIFE USHA AGAINST ‘SHAMEFUL’ ATTACKS ON HIS INDIAN HERITAGE: SHE IS ‘THE WAY OUT OF THEIR LEAGUE’
In his new book, ‘Community: Finding My Way Back to Faith,’ Vice President J.D. Vance describes his spiritual journey and how his wife supported his Catholic life of faith. (Fox News Digital)
“Usha and I talk about everything. She’s truly my best friend and the most interesting person,” Vance said.
The Vance couple have three children named Ewan (8), Vivek (5) and Mirabel (4) and are expecting their fourth child in July.
Vance said he was surprised by the backlash to his comments last year, arguing that it was “common sense” to want people he loves to share his faith.
Illinois Democratic representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, himself an Indian American, took aim at the vice president.
“At a time when Hindu and Indian-American communities are facing increased prejudice, talk of mass deportation, and rising anti-Hindu sentiment, even against members of his own party, it is deeply disappointing that the Vice President has remained silent in the face of hatred, further reinforcing that climate with his latest comments.” wrote on congressman x.
Vance shared that no matter what faith, their family life is still centered around faith.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
“She definitely participates in the church rituals with us and I really love it. It’s such a good part of our family life. She’s the one who helps me get the kids ready, whether we’re at home or going to church, and the kids are always late and it takes a lot of time to put their shoes on.”
“Even though he is not a Christian, he has been a part of my faith journey in big and small ways,” Vance said.
