In an unprecedented move, three influential American Catholic cardinals have publicly called upon the Trump administration to realign its foreign policy with ethical principles, warning that current approaches risk causing extensive human suffering rather than fostering global peace. Cardinals Blase Cupich of Chicago, Joseph Tobin of Newark, and Robert McElroy of Washington jointly expressed deep concerns regarding recent U.S. military operations in Venezuela, considerations about acquiring Greenland, and substantial reductions in foreign assistance programs.
The religious leaders characterized the contemporary foreign policy discourse as dangerously mired in “polarization, partisanship, and narrow economic and social interests,” emphasizing the absence of a coherent moral vision. Cardinal McElroy notably observed that “Most of the United States and the world are adrift morally in terms of foreign policy,” while acknowledging America’s continuing significant global influence.
This declaration represents the second instance in recent months where high-ranking U.S. Catholic figures have openly challenged administration policies perceived as conflicting with fundamental human dignity principles. The cardinals’ statement draws intellectual inspiration from Pope Leo XIV’s substantial January address to Vatican diplomats, in which the pontiff delivered a comprehensive critique of nations employing force to assert global dominance, thereby undermining international peace and the post-World War II legal framework.
The church leaders specifically questioned the ethical foundations of military intervention in Venezuela, potential Greenland acquisition attempts, ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and drastic cuts to international development aid. They articulated a vision for American foreign policy that prioritizes human dignity, religious liberty, and economic assistance, stating: “We renounce war as an instrument for narrow national interests and proclaim that military action must be seen only as a last resort.”
Cardinal Cupich revealed that the statement originated from concerns raised by multiple cardinals during early January Vatican meetings, finding resonance with Pope Leo’s diplomatic address. While acknowledging potential justification for opposing Venezuelan leadership, Cupich criticized the methodology: “When we go ahead and do it in such a way that is portrayed as saying, ‘Because we can do it, we’re going to do it, that might makes right’—that’s a troublesome development.”
The cardinals emphasized their intervention transcends partisan politics, seeking instead to advocate for ethical governance focused on the common good. Cardinal Tobin summarized this perspective: “It can’t be that my prosperity is predicated on inhuman treatment of others. The real argument isn’t just my right or individual rights, but what is the common good.”