Cardinals on “60 Minutes” Critique Trump and Immigration Policies
In a recent episode of “60 Minutes,” a group of progressive American cardinals discussed Pope Leo XIV’s stance against the war in Iran and the Trump administration’s immigration policies. The segment aired last week and drew some criticism for not delving into contentious issues like abortion, where the church and Democrats frequently clash.
Tim Graham, the executive editor of the Media Research Center, expressed skepticism about the motives behind the segment. He suggested that liberal media view organized religion as a tool to promote their agenda, claiming they aim to leverage the church’s moral authority.
On the program, CBS correspondent Norah O’Donnell sat down with Cardinal Blaise Cupich of Chicago, Cardinal Robert McElroy from Washington, D.C., and Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark, New Jersey. The cardinals emphasized that their views on political matters were shaped by the teachings of Pope Leo.
During the discussion, Cardinal Cupich voiced strong disapproval of a video released by the White House at the beginning of the Iran conflict, describing it as “disgusting” for mixing movie clips with actual bombings for entertainment purposes. He stated that such actions do not reflect who they are as a church.
The cardinals also criticized various Trump administration policies, especially regarding immigration. Cardinal McElroy acknowledged that the situation had become “out of control” under President Biden, though he still disagreed with Trump’s methods, advocating for a compassionate approach to immigration.
McElroy articulated the human impact of immigration policies, expressing concern for families who have lived in the U.S. for generations. He emphasized the suffering caused by current practices, particularly mass deportations.
Cardinal Tobin remarked that the actions surrounding immigration felt “terrorizing,” while also recognizing Trump’s previous campaign success in appealing to Catholic voters. The cardinals felt the need to question whether the general public supported such aggressive deportation measures.
Following the airing of the segment, both Trump and the Pope publicly critiqued one another. Trump labeled the Pope as “weak on crime” and critiqued his foreign policy stance, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Meanwhile, former Trump press secretary Sean Spicer also pointed out the segment’s omission of key issues like Biden’s abortion policies.
Graham noted that the show could have included a counterpoint, such as Bishop Robert Barron, to provide balance. He argued that while Catholic leaders often share common views on moral issues, the portrayal on “60 Minutes” did not reflect that unity.
Despite the tension between the administration and the Vatican, Pope Leo has stated that he does not wish to engage in political disputes, emphasizing instead his mission of promoting peace and justice. He addressed the ongoing discussions surrounding his comments, indicating that much of the discourse had become misinterpretations of his original message.
