Catholic Cardinals Call for Ethical Foreign Policy Amid Global Tensions

Tue Jan 20 2026 00:27:20 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Three U.S. Catholic cardinals urge the Trump administration to adopt a morally grounded approach in foreign policy, criticizing military actions and urging for peace over conflict.

In a recent statement, Catholic cardinals Blase Cupich, Robert McElroy, and Joseph Tobin highlighted the ethical shortcomings of the U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration. They implored the government to prioritize moral values, warning against military interventions in Venezuela and contentious claims regarding Greenland. Their call for a just foreign policy aims to uplift human dignity and promote global cooperation over conflict.

In a notable joint statement released recently, three prominent U.S. Catholic cardinals have urged the Trump administration to compass moral values in its foreign policy decisions, particularly in light of military actions in Venezuela and threats concerning Greenland. Cardinals Blase Cupich of Chicago, Robert McElroy of Washington, D.C., and Joseph Tobin of Newark articulated that current approaches to foreign intervention endanger the sanctity of human life and push the world towards strife instead of peace.

Their collective viewpoint points towards what they termed a 'moral drift' in U.S. policy and indicates a broader insistence on putting humanitarian concerns above narrow national interests. According to Cardinal McElroy, the U.S. plays a crucial role in the world landscape, one that should be guided by ethical considerations rather than investigation-driven pragmatism.

This statement follows disturbing trends observed over recent months, including mass deportations of migrants and alleged vilifications. The sentiments expressed align with a broader critique of U.S. foreign tactics as inconsistent with basic human dignity principles.

The cardinals drew inspiration from a foreign policy address made by Pope Leo XIV, wherein the pontiff condemned the easy resort to force by nations, hinting at U.S. actions in Venezuela and aggressive designs towards Greenland. They argue that rather than depending on military might, the U.S. should look toward fostering peace and promoting human dignity worldwide via economic aid and support.

The call from these clerics comes at a critical time, urging a re-evaluation of America's global stance. By highlighting the adverse impacts of foreign aid cuts and advocating for diplomacy rooted in shared human values, the cardinals hope to reinstate the U.S.'s moral standing on the international stage and advocate for solutions that uphold personal dignity and mutual respect.

Cardinal Tobin poignantly remarked, 'It can’t be that my prosperity is predicated on inhuman treatment of others,' emphasizing the ethical implications of foreign policy decisions that echo globally. In their discerning commentary, they encapsulated a broader dissatisfaction with the paradigm of contemporary politics, advocating for a transcendent ethical approach that centers on compassion and collaboration for the common good.