Vice President JD Vance's book, 'Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith,' is a spiritual exploration of his journey back to faith after losing it, according to multiple reports. The book, published by HarperCollins, has increased speculation about a potential 2028 presidential run, as Vance has been working on it since 2019, the year he converted to Catholicism. Vance described the memoir as focusing on his personal journey, stating that it explores how he found his way back to faith after losing it, according to major media.
In 2022, HarperCollins told the AP that Vance had set aside a planned religious memoir, and some of 'Communion' is drawn from that project, according to major media. Vance credits his Catholic faith with giving him a sense of purpose he didn't get through his education or work in finance, sources said. This background sets the stage for the book's development, which Vance wrote himself over 304 pages, including material on his time in politics, making him potentially the first vice president in recent memory to publish a book while in office, as reported by major media.
The story of how I regained my faith, of course, only happened because I had lost it to begin with.
Regarding 2028 presidential speculation, Vance has said he is not focused on a run right now and would wait until after the 2026 midterm elections to decide, according to major media. Presidential hopefuls often release books before launching campaigns, and potential 2028 Democratic candidates, including Kamala Harris, Gavin Newsom, Andy Beshear, and Josh Shapiro, have published or are planning books, multiple reports indicate. This context highlights the political timing of Vance's announcement, though it remains unknown how his book will impact his political standing and potential 2028 campaign.
Unique aspects of the book include Vance's authorship and its focus on his political experiences, with major media noting he would be a rare vice president to publish while in office. Vance's first book, 'Hillbilly Elegy,' was a bestseller and was adapted into a film by Ron Howard, according to multiple reports. This publishing history adds to the anticipation for 'Communion,' but what specific political or policy details it will include about his time in office is not yet clear.
The interesting question that hangs over this book, and over my mind, is why I ever strayed from the path. Why the Christian faith of my youth failed to properly take root.
Vance was elected to the Senate as a Republican from Ohio in 2022 and became vice president in 2024, major media reports. His wife, Usha Vance, started a podcast called 'Storytime with the Second Lady' to promote reading among children, sources said. This family context underscores his public profile as he navigates his role and book release.
Vance's Catholic conversion has informed his positions on issues like abortion and family policy, according to major media. He has used the concept of 'ordo amoris' to defend prioritizing obligations to fellow citizens over outsiders in immigration policies, sources said. These policy influences reflect how his faith shapes his political approach, though the full extent of criticism from Vatican figures and how Vance might respond to it in light of his book's themes remains uncertain.
Communion is about my personal journey and how I found my way back to faith.
Vance's views have been criticized by senior figures in the Vatican, including the late Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV, major media reports. This criticism adds a layer of complexity to his spiritual narrative, as he promotes a book centered on faith while facing pushback from religious authorities. The interplay between his personal journey and political ambitions will likely be a focal point as 'Communion' reaches readers next month.