A report from the Huffington Post sparked discussion by claiming that Catholics were being excluded from Good Friday services at the Pentagon, which drew criticism from various sources.
The Pentagon countered this, stating that over 3,500 employees were invited to attend Good Friday services in its internal chapel. However, the invitation was for Protestant services only, as noted by HuffPost Senior Political Correspondent, indicating that no Catholic Mass would be held. They referenced a memo from Air Force leadership reminding personnel that “Good Friday Protestant services (no Catholic Mass) will be held today at the Pentagon Chapel.” A spokesperson from the Pentagon confirmed this to be the only service on Good Friday at the chapel.
According to one unnamed Pentagon official who shared the memo, the situation suggests that Catholics might feel unwelcome; a sentiment they described as “ridiculous.” The article further reported that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, identified as a far-right evangelical Christian, is attempting to influence Pentagon policies with his religious beliefs.
Many users on social media contested the HuffPost’s interpretation, pointing out that Catholics don’t typically hold Mass on Good Friday. For example, Washington Examiner reporter Sarena Zito highlighted, “We are Catholic here…we don’t celebrate Mass on Good Friday,” as this day is observed in remembrance of Jesus’s death.
National Review senior editor Charles CW Cook chimed in, questioning whether HuffPost had consulted anyone knowledgeable about Catholic practices, given that Catholics do not celebrate Mass on Good Friday.
Additional voices included Rachel Campos-Duffy from “Fox & Friends Weekend,” who commented on the lack of Eucharistic consecration on that day, specifying that Catholics don’t hold Mass; they instead focus on the Gospel narrative and venerate the cross. Editor-in-Chief of Hot Air, Ed Morrissey, reiterated that there is no Mass on Good Friday, and that the confusion likely stemmed from a misunderstanding.
Conservative radio host Erik Erickson criticized the HuffPost reporter’s seeming ignorance of Catholicism, which echoed sentiments shared by Town Hall editor Larry O’Connor, expressing disbelief that no one in the editorial process had basic knowledge of Catholic practices.
Another commenter, Red State writer Bonchy, noted that trying to impose a divide between Catholics and Protestants regarding Mass attendance on Good Friday misrepresents reality. A Department of the Army official reassured that Catholic Mass is available daily at the Pentagon, stating that these services are open to all employees.
The Huffington Post’s parent company, BuzzFeed, has yet to respond to requests for comments regarding the article.
