Mike Pence Faces Evangelical Backlash Over His Reference to Pope Francis as “The Holy Father”
Former Vice President Mike Pence recently found himself at the center of controversy within evangelical circles after he referred to Pope Francis as “the Holy Father” in a social media post. The comment sparked intense debate among Protestants and evangelicals, many of whom believe the title should be reserved solely for God. This reaction underscores the deep-rooted theological differences between Catholic and evangelical communities, particularly around the role and status of the pope.
The situation began when Pence, a devout Christian and former governor of Indiana, posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, offering prayers for Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized due to serious respiratory issues. In his post, Pence reflected on his time meeting the pope and expressed his support for the ailing religious leader. “One of my greatest honors as Vice President was the hour I spent with Pope Francis at the Vatican in January 2020. @KarenPence and I join Catholics around the world, praying for this humble and godly man. God Bless the Holy Father,” he wrote. While the post was meant as a gesture of goodwill, it quickly drew criticism from those who object to using the title “Holy Father” for anyone other than God.
The backlash was swift and strong, with prominent evangelical figures voicing their disappointment. Justin Peters, an evangelist and Bible teacher, expressed his dismay in a public response, noting his concern that Pence’s statement aligned too closely with Catholic doctrine. “I have heard from people in my theological circles that you were truly a Christian. You even attended a church pastored by a friend of mine. To see you affirm Roman Catholicism and say the man who thinks he is Head of the Church and the Vicar of Christ on earth is sad. And there is only One Holy Father – the Ancient of Days,” Peters wrote. Other faith leaders echoed similar sentiments, with preacher Spencer Smith offering a terse response and commentator Jon Root sharing a critical meme to emphasize his disapproval.
The controversy highlights the long-standing theological divide between Catholicism and evangelicalism, especially concerning the pope’s authority. Catholic doctrine views the pope as the successor of Saint Peter and the earthly head of the Church, a position many Protestants reject. Evangelicals often emphasize a more direct relationship with God through Christ, without hierarchical intermediaries. This disagreement over titles like “Holy Father” reflects broader questions about church authority and theological interpretation that have separated the two faith traditions for centuries.
As the debate continues, Pope Francis remains hospitalized in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital following a serious bout of double pneumonia and bronchitis. Despite his health struggles, reports indicate cautious optimism from his medical team. The pope has been participating in prayers and Mass with those caring for him, even as he receives ongoing treatment, including high-flow oxygen therapy. Pence, meanwhile, has not yet responded to the criticism, leaving his supporters and detractors to continue the conversation about faith, tradition, and the language used to show respect.