Three U.S. Catholic cardinals have called upon the Trump administration to adopt a moral framework in its foreign policy initiatives. In a joint statement released on Monday, Cardinals Blase Cupich of Chicago, Robert McElroy of Washington, and Joseph Tobin of Newark, New Jersey, expressed deep concerns that U.S. military actions in Venezuela, the administration's threats to acquire Greenland, and cuts in foreign aid could lead to significant suffering rather than fostering peace.
The cardinals articulated that the present discourse surrounding U.S. foreign policy is plagued by "polarization, partisanship, and narrow economic and social interests." Cardinal McElroy emphasized the moral drift in foreign policy, asserting, "Most of the United States and the world are adrift morally in terms of foreign policy," while also affirming the substantial influence the U.S. wields on the global stage.
This joint statement is particularly noteworthy as it marks the second occasion in two months that the U.S. Catholic hierarchy has vocally criticized the Trump administration for failing to uphold essential principles of human dignity. In November, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops condemned the administration's mass deportation of migrants and the harsh rhetoric directed against them.
The three cardinals' reflections are grounded in a significant address given by Pope Leo XIV on January 9 to ambassadors at the Vatican, during which he criticized the use of military force by nations as undermining global peace and the post-World War II legal order. The Pope's remarks were made in the context of the then-recent U.S. military operations in Venezuela, threats to take Greenland, and Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Cardinals Cupich, McElroy, and Tobin cited the examples of Venezuela, Greenland, and Ukraine to provoke essential discussions about the use of military force and the true meaning of peace. They voiced strong opposition to the administration's cuts to foreign aid and underscored the importance of the United States' moral responsibilities in addressing global issues related to human dignity and religious liberty. They stressed the need for military action to be regarded as a last resort rather than a standard element of national policy.
The cardinals articulated that their goal is to reaffirm the United States' moral standing in the world by advocating for a foreign policy that is ethically informed and committed to the common good. Cardinal Tobin highlighted that prosperity cannot be built on the suffering of others, emphasizing the importance of focusing on communal welfare rather than individual rights alone.
In subsequent interviews, Cardinals Cupich and McElroy elaborated that the impetus for their statement stemmed from concerns shared by fellow cardinals during a Vatican meeting. They sought to align their remarks with the Pope's comprehensive critique, which provided the necessary language to articulate their viewpoint. Cupich noted that while removing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro might be well-intentioned, the approach must respect the sovereignty of nations and adhere to the rule of law.
In his statement, Trump has maintained that actions taken against Maduro are justified under legal grounds. Meanwhile, he has argued for the strategic importance of Greenland, asserting that its resources are crucial for U.S. national security. Additionally, the Trump administration has made significant reductions to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), claiming that its initiatives advance an unwarranted liberal agenda and constitute financial waste.
Cardinal Tobin, drawing from his extensive global experience, expressed concern over the reduction in U.S. aid, highlighting its critical importance in addressing issues like hunger and health. The three cardinals collectively emphasized that their objective is not to criticize the administration for its own sake but rather to encourage a revival of America's moral leadership through informed foreign policy. They clarify that they do not seek to endorse any political party or movement; rather, they aim to inspire action among the faithful and all individuals of goodwill in advocating for human dignity and decency globally.
