US Vice President JD Vance stepped away from high-profile international gatherings on Wednesday night to tour Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris with his family. The visit was a rare personal moment amidst his increasing political profile.
Months since the historic cathedral reopened after undergoing extensive restoration work, Vance and his family marveled at its vaulted ceilings, basking in the majesty of the ancient site. The visit was poignant for the vice president, who converted to Catholicism six years ago after being raised in the Evangelical Church.
Even though he is a devout believer, Vance has fallen out with Pope Francis, who recently denounced the Trump government’s immigration policies. “What is built based on force, and not on the truth about the equal dignity of every human being, begins badly and will end badly,” the pope wrote about the contentious deportation program.
WATCH: @VP Vance and the Second Family visit Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris ❤️ pic.twitter.com/preeGGZl6v
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 12, 2025
Family-Centered Visit
During the visit, Vance’s son, Vivek, marked his fifth birthday but seemed less enthusiastic about the tour. “I won’t go up there,” he told his father while pointing toward a font. “And I’m tired.”
In the meantime, JD Vance held his three-year-old daughter, Mirabel, who had been ill and missed an important meeting yesterday with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His wife, Usha, whose family traces their roots to India, led their seven-year-old son, Ewan, through the cathedral’s historical relics. The family soon sat together in the front row in front of the altar, soaking up the spiritual moment.
Political Momentum Builds for JD Vance
Vance’s trip to Paris takes place at a time of major political developments. His foreign debut features conference addresses in both Munich and Paris, reflecting his increasing role in international affairs. At home, his political momentum is also picking up.
Previously seen largely as Trump’s campaign attack dog, Vance is now gaining wider approval. A J.L. Partners/DailyMail.com poll of 1,000 registered voters revealed that 52% of them view him in a favorable light. Even 17% of Democrats gave him a positive assessment, which indicates his crossover appeal beyond the Republican base.
These figures put Vance in a comparable spot to President Trump, whose ratings have also gained ground since the election. With his favorability just a single point behind the president’s, many regard him as the natural inheritor of the America First tradition and a frontrunner for the 2028 Republican nomination.
Trump Continues to Refuse to Commit to 2028
As speculation over Vance’s political future remains on the rise, Trump has yet to make his endorsement. During a recent interview on Fox News, when asked if he considered Vance to be his successor and the Republican nominee for 2028, Trump was hesitant. “No,’ he said, ‘but he’s very capable.”
At the same time, Vance’s role as vice president is increasingly taking shape. He has played a key role in guiding Cabinet nominees through the confirmation process and is handling negotiations for a potential TikTok acquisition. His growing role promises that he will be a central figure in defining the administration’s policy course in the years ahead.
While continuing to establish himself internationally and in his home country, his tour of Notre Dame provides us a glimpse at the personal side of Vance against an increasingly heightened political backdrop.
