What is and isn’t new about US bishops’ criticism of Trump’s foreign policy

The Catholic Church’s teachings on ‘just war’ have guided leaders’ long history of opposing many military interventions.

By: Gerard F. Powers, University of Notre Dame, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: February 11, 2026

Words: 1,284

Last Updated: 1 month ago

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By Gerard F. Powers, University of Notre Dame

In recent weeks, Catholic leaders have been increasingly outspoken in their criticism of the Trump administration’s foreign policy, especially its military intervention in Venezuela and saber-rattling over Greenland.

On Jan. 19, 2026, the three cardinals heading U.S. archdioceses – Blase Cupich of Chicago, Robert McElroy of Washington, D.C., and Joseph Tobin of Newark – issued a rare joint statement. “The United States has entered into …

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