Three high-ranking Roman Catholic archbishops in the United States released a joint statement on Monday, calling for a moral framework to guide current U.S. foreign policy. Cardinals Blase Cupich of Chicago, Robert McElroy of Washington, and Joseph Tobin of Newark, expressed concerns that recent foreign policy actions raise moral questions regarding the nation's role in the world and its pursuit of peace.
Statement Details and Key Concerns
The cardinals' statement conveyed that "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." They further indicated that "the building of just and sustainable peace... is being reduced to partisan categories that encourage polarization and destructive policies."
The statement specifically cited several U.S. foreign policy actions and proposals:
- Efforts related to military action in Venezuela, concerning the removal of Nicolás Maduro.
- Discussions regarding the potential acquisition of Greenland, a semi-autonomous region of Denmark.
- Reductions in foreign aid initiated by the current administration.
The archbishops stated that these events "raised basic questions about the use of military force and the meaning of peace." Cardinal Cupich commented that while the removal of Maduro might be viewed positively by some, the method of U.S. military involvement in a sovereign country suggests "might makes right," a philosophy he stated bypassed the rule of law. The administration has maintained that actions regarding Maduro were legal and that control of Greenland is vital for U.S. national security.
Call for Ethically Guided Policy
The cardinals advocated for a foreign policy that "respects and advances the right to human life, religious liberty, and the enhancement of human dignity throughout the world, especially through economic assistance." They declared, "We renounce war as an instrument for narrow national interests and proclaim that military action must be seen only as a last resort in extreme situations, not a normal instrument of national policy." Cardinal Tobin specifically noted the impact of reduced USAID assistance on global issues such as hunger and health.
The archbishops clarified that their stated aim was not to criticize the administration or endorse any political party, but rather to encourage the U.S. to re-establish its moral standing globally through ethically guided foreign policy focused on the common good.
Inspiration and Rationale
The statement was inspired by a recent foreign policy address delivered by Pope Leo XIV on January 9 to ambassadors to the Holy See. In his address, Pope Leo XIV criticized the weakening of multilateralism, stating, "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." He added that "Peace is sought through weapons as a condition for asserting one's own dominion. This gravely threatens the rule of law, which is the foundation of all peaceful civil coexistence."
Cardinal Cupich explained the archbishops' rationale, 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." He also noted that "Pope Leo has given us clear direction and we must apply his teachings to the conduct of our nation and its leaders." The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops was consulted on the statement, with its president, Archbishop Paul Coakley, expressing support for the emphasis on Pope Leo's teachings.
This statement marks the second instance in recent months that U.S. Catholic leaders have addressed policies of the current administration, following the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' statement regarding migrant deportations in November.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.