JD Vance's new book reveals his Catholic conversion and political battles

JD Vance has detailed his faith journey in a new book, Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith. The work explores his transition from Protestant Christian to atheist and finally to Catholicism. It also covers his views on immigration, abortion, and U.S. birth rates. Vance joined the Catholic Church in 2019 after private instruction from Dominican priests in Ohio and Washington. His wife, Usha Vance, a Hindu, supported his conversion. The book serves as a sequel to his 2016 memoir, Hillbilly Elegy.

In Communion, Vance addresses his policy stances, including his opposition to some Church leaders on immigration. He has publicly clashed with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Pope Leo XIV on the issue. In 2025, he met Pope Francis to discuss immigration, highlighting differences between the pontiff’s views and those of Vatican diplomats.

Vance has also apologised for a past remark about 'childless cat ladies' linked to declining birth rates. He argued that the overturning of Roe v. Wade revealed the political challenges of the pro-life position. With plans to seek the Republican nomination for president in 2028, his faith and policy views remain central to his public profile. The book offers insight into Vance’s spiritual and political evolution. His conversion to Catholicism and outspoken positions on immigration and abortion continue to shape his career. These themes may play a significant role in his potential 2028 presidential campaign.