Former Vice President Mike Pence found himself under fire from evangelical circles after referring to Pope Francis as “the Holy Father” in a recent social media post.

Pence, a devout Christian and former Indiana governor took to X on Sunday to offer prayers for the pontiff, who has been hospitalized since last month due to serious respiratory issues. His post, however, ignited a debate among evangelicals regarding his acknowledgment of the pope’s title.

“One of my greatest honors as Vice President was the hour I spent with Pope Francis at the Vatican in January 2020. @KarenPence and I join Catholics around the world, praying for this humble and godly man. God Bless the Holy Father,” Pence wrote.

One of my greatest honors as Vice President was the hour I spent with Pope Francis at the Vatican in January 2020. @KarenPence and I join Catholics around the world Praying for this humble and godly man. God Bless the Holy Father? pic.twitter.com/4TNWQi9Ksq

— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) March 1, 2025

The post, which has garnered nearly half a million views, was met with strong reactions from evangelical leaders and believers who took issue with his reference to the pope as “the Holy Father.” Many in Protestant and evangelical circles believe that the title belongs solely to God.

Evangelist and Bible teacher Justin Peters expressed his disappointment, writing, “I have heard from people in my theological circles that you were truly a Christian. You even attended a church pastored by a friend of mine. To see you affirm Roman Catholicism and say the man who thinks he is Head of the Church and the Vicar (substitute) of Christ on earth is sad. And there is only One Holy Father – the Ancient of Days.”

Spencer Smith, a preacher and author, posted a simple but pointed response: “There it is…”

Jon Root, a commentator on faith and culture, shared a gif of the late theologian R.C. Sproul saying, “What’s wrong with you people?”—a clear sign of disapproval.

The criticism reflects longstanding theological differences between Catholics and evangelicals, particularly regarding the role and authority of the pope. While Catholic doctrine holds that the pope is the successor of Saint Peter and the earthly head of the Church, many Protestants reject such hierarchical structures and see Christ alone as the head of the Church.

Meanwhile, Pope Francis remains hospitalized at Gemelli Hospital in Rome after experiencing double pneumonia and bronchitis. According to a Monday statement from the Holy See Press Office, Francis “slept well throughout the night” and was not in need of mechanical ventilation, though he continues to receive supplemental, high-flow oxygenation. The statement added that he participated in Mass on Sunday with those caring for him and spent the remainder of the day in prayer and rest.

Medical officials have expressed cautious optimism about his recovery but warned that his condition could still worsen.

Pence, who has long identified as an evangelical Christian with deep respect for Catholic traditions, has not responded to the backlash. While his statement was likely meant as a gesture of goodwill toward Catholics, the strong reaction underscores the enduring theological divide between Protestant and Catholic believers.