US Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, attended a private Mass celebrated by Franciscan monks at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre The Church of the Holy Sepulchre was constructed in the fourth century in Jerusalem on Thursday during a three-day diplomatic trip to Israel.
According to the White House Pool Report, the Vice President met with a group of bishops and went to confession prior to Mass.
In a post on Platform X, Vance shared that what an amazing blessinng to have visited the site of Christ’s death and resurrection. He added, he is immensely grateful to the Greek, Armenian and Catholic priests who care for this most sacred of places.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre was constructed in the fourth century during the reign of constantine the Great. It is jointly operated by the Catholic Church, the Greek Orthodox Church, and four orientaL Orthodox churches.
During his vist, Vance silently prayed at The Stone of Anointing, traditionally believed to be where Jesus Christ’s body was prepared for burial. He also knelt in prayer before the Calvary Altar, believed to be the location of Christ’s crucifixion. Following their prayers, the couple lit candles in the church, and Vance additionally lit two candles using fire taken from Christ’s tomb, which he intends to bring back to the United States.
An Armenian bishop said that they are sending these lights to the White House. May God bless America, the United States and Armenia and our friendship.
Vance noted that Christians have many titles for Jesus Christ, one of which is the Prince of Peace. He went on to invite people of all faiths—especially Christians—to pray that the Prince of Peace will continue to work miracles in this part of the world.
Vance’s trip to Israel comes as the White House is working with Israel and Hamas to maintain a ceasefire, which halted a two-year long war in Gaza.