U.S. Cardinals Voice Concerns Over Foreign Policy in Joint Statement
In a bold move, three prominent U.S. Cardinals have come forward with a joint statement expressing their concerns over the current direction of American foreign policy. The statement, issued on Monday, avoids directly naming President Trump but clearly critiques the administration’s actions on the global stage. This rare collaboration among the heads of major Roman Catholic archdioceses highlights their apprehensions regarding the moral implications of foreign policy decisions.
From right, U.S. Cardinals, Joseph Tobin of Newark, and Blase Cupich of Chicago, attend a press conference at the North American College in Rome on May 9, 2025. Along with Cardinal Robert McElroy, archbishop of Washington (not pictured), the men issued a strongly worded statement on Monday criticizing the Trump administration’s foreign policy.
Gregorio Borgia/AP
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Gregorio Borgia/AP
The statement, available here, was issued by Cardinals Blase Cupich of Chicago, Robert McElroy of Washington, and Joseph Tobin of Newark. It emphasizes that the moral obligations of the United States in global affairs are currently under scrutiny.
According to the cardinals, “Our country’s moral role in confronting evil around the world, sustaining the right to life and human dignity, and supporting religious liberty are all under examination. And the building of just and sustainable peace, so crucial to humanity’s well-being now and in the future, is being reduced to partisan categories that encourage polarization and destructive policies.”
In their call for a more ethically driven foreign policy, the cardinals highlighted the importance of advancing human rights and religious freedom, particularly through economic aid. Recent geopolitical events in Venezuela, Ukraine, and Greenland were cited as examples that challenge the ethical use of military force and the broader definition of peace.
The White House has not provided a comment on the cardinals’ statement.
Their concerns echo sentiments expressed by Pope Leo XIV in a recent address to Holy See diplomats. Pope Leo criticized the shift away from multilateral diplomacy, noting, “A diplomacy that promotes dialogue and seeks consensus among all parties is being replaced by a diplomacy based on force, by either individuals or groups of allies. War is back in vogue and a zeal for war is spreading.” His words underscored the threat of returning to force over legal frameworks that have historically underpinned peace.
Cardinal Cupich elaborated on the motivation behind the statement, stating, “As pastors entrusted with the teaching of our people, we cannot stand by while decisions are made that condemn millions to lives trapped permanently at the edge of existence. Pope Leo has given us clear direction and we must apply his teachings to the conduct of our nation and its leaders.”
