Vance's Antichrist comments are a 'common belief', his friend tells BBC

September 3, 2026

US Vice-President JD Vance recently discussed his religious beliefs on a Christian podcast, stating he wouldn't be surprised if the Antichrist were currently alive and speculating about whether the world is approaching its final days. His friend Rod Dreher, a conservative writer, defended these remarks by characterizing such beliefs as widespread among Christian voters who typically support Republicans. Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, emphasized that while he holds these views, his primary focus remains on his duties as vice-president and his responsibilities to his family.

Who is affected

US Vice-President JD Vance
Republican voters and Americans inclined to vote Republican
The Catholic Church and Christian communities
Vance's family (wife and children)
Pope Leo and former Pope Francis (mentioned in context of disagreements with Vance)
Bryce Crawford (Christian podcaster who interviewed Vance)
Rod Dreher (conservative writer and Vance's friend)

What action is being taken

Vance is focusing on performing his duties as vice-president and being a good leader for the United States
Vance is attempting to be good to his wife and children
Vance is scheduled to deliver a White House press briefing on Thursday afternoon

Why it matters

This matters because it reveals the vice-president's personal religious worldview, which includes beliefs about apocalyptic end-times scenarios that might seem extreme to secular audiences but are reportedly common among the Republican voting base. The situation is significant because it demonstrates how religious beliefs intersect with high-level political leadership in the United States, and it may influence public perception of Vance's decision-making and priorities as vice-president.

What's next

Vance is due to appear on Thursday afternoon to deliver the first White House press briefing since Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt's departure

Read full article from source: BBC