JD Vance called out over ‘disrespectful’ behaviour towards Pope Leo during latest interaction

JD Vance has been called out after making an 'inappropriate' blunder during his first meeting with Pope Leo.

It seems the US vice president broke protocol upon meeting the first ever American pope, who was elected into the monumental role last week.

Old retweets from the Chicago-born pontiff suggest he's not exactly a Republican, after the 69-year-old posted numerous statements criticising president Donald Trump's policies during his first and second terms.

The two seem to have very differing opinions when it comes to immigration, and how the US have recently treated refugees.

But it seems JD Vance hasn't made an amazing impression on the newly-elected pope, and has been branded 'disrespectful' following his first interaction with him in Vatican City.

After respectfully shaking the pope's hand and exchanging some brief words, Vance also stretched out his arm to pat Leo on the elbow, which feels a little too personal for a newly-elected pope that you have never met before - some would say.

Vatican etiquette requires those who greet the pope to genuflect, which involves lowering the body to bend one knee on the ground, and kiss the pope's sacred ring.

Of course, Vance avoided both of these and opted for a more casual greeting in the form of an elbow tap.

Users on social media have been outraged by the interaction, after one called the vice president completely 'disrespectful'.

The vice president did not follow Vatican protocol (Simone Risoluti Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)

Another wrote: "JD Vance embarrassed himself again at the Vatican when he attempted to pat Pope Leo XIV on the shoulder like a drinking buddy in St. Peter's Basilica after the papal inauguration mass."

A third noted that it was 'almost condescending', and like 'patting a puppy's head before moving along'.

Not exactly the impression you want to make.

The Vatican rules stipulate no touching of the pope unless there is an invitation, such as shaking his hand or even kissing his papal ring.

"Why on earth @JDVance is touching the pope by his shoulder? It's an awful breach of protocol," one noted.

Protocol requires guests to kiss the papal ring (Vatican Media)

As another added: "His manners are beyond awful."

While one user questioned why people kiss the pope's ring, one responded: "Sign of respect for the office. I do these things when I meet just a regular bishop. Let alone the pope."

It comes after Vance happened to be one of the last public figures to ever meet Pope Francis, who died hours later after his visit, at the age of 88 from a stroke.

Tyla has contacted The White House for comment.