Bishop Robert Barron labels certain Democrats as ‘nearly communists’

Bishop Robert Barron Critiques Leftward Shift in Politics

Bishop Robert Barron has expressed strong disapproval of what he calls “borderline communists” within the Democratic Party. In a recent discussion with a news outlet, he outlined his concerns regarding the political landscape, noting that the apparent “extreme leftward shift” is a potential threat to traditional American values.

As the leader of the Catholic Diocese of Winona–Rochester in Minnesota and founder of Word on Fire Ministries, Barron is set to address a prayer service hosted by President Donald Trump this weekend. Known for his vocal support of Christianity and Western Civilization, he often shares his views on social media.

Earlier this year, Barron targeted New York Mayor Zoran Mamdani during his inaugural address, labeling his embrace of “collectivism” as concerning. He remarked, “God, give me a break,” regarding Mamdani’s perspective.

In his interview, Barron mentioned that Mamdani’s comments struck a nerve with him. He pointed out that some in the Catholic Church refer to capitalism as a “killing economy.” However, he challenged this notion, asserting that while capitalism, like any human-made system, has flaws, socialism has caused millions of deaths throughout history. He declared, “Collectivism is a very tragic concept.”

Barron reiterated his opposition to socialism as a Catholic, emphasizing that church doctrine rejects it. He expressed surprise at the Democratic Party’s notable shift left in recent years, particularly with the acceptance of socialist candidates like Mamdani.

“When one of our two parties moves that far to the left and presents an outright socialist as a serious candidate, it raises concerns about our political structure,” he commented.

Barron observed a troubling trend where figures like Senator Bernie Sanders have transitioned from being outliers to leading voices in the Democratic Party. Recall how he initially thought Sanders wouldn’t gain traction, only to witness his success. “The change from a Bill Clinton-style Democratic Party to one aligned with Bernie Sanders is significant,” he stated.

Amidst these shifts, Barron urged Christians to not retreat from the public square. He feels it’s essential for them to vocally oppose socialism. “There are forces that want to isolate us. But we must express ourselves publicly,” he said. “It involves engaging confidently about your faith and participating in societal discussions while maintaining a respectful stance.”

Barron conveyed the need for faith to permeate every aspect of life, advocating for a culture that upholds objective moral values. “What we must strive for is a democratic society grounded in a higher moral authority,” he concluded. “Let’s not shy away from the cultural battle in entertainment, politics, and communication. This fight is crucial.”