Photo: Depositphotos
In the United States, the movement of conservative Catholics who support the ideology of Make America Great Again (MAGA) is gaining momentum. They seek to regain influence over the Catholic Church, which often contradicts the Vatican’s more progressive course under Pope Francis, the Financial Times reports .
These so-called MAGA Catholics actively advocate a return to traditional practices that preceded the Second Vatican Council. They insist on strict adherence to traditional liturgy, doctrine and moral teachings. Their programme also echoes MAGA’s political priorities, including opposition to immigration, progressive social policies, and what they see as the onslaught of secular values on religious ones.
The movement’s leaders – influential laymen, conservative clergy and media personalities – use Catholic blogs, podcasts and social media to mobilise support. They criticise the US Conference of Catholic Bishops for being too accommodating to modern social change and accuse Pope Francis of eroding the Church’s teachings on marriage, gender and climate change.
The movement is gaining popularity against the backdrop of political polarisation in the United States, where religious identity is increasingly intertwined with party loyalty. Some parishes are becoming battlegrounds as traditionalist groups seek to influence local church governance and catechesis. According to the Financial Times, conservative donors are funding initiatives to train priests in the traditional spirit and support seminaries that share their vision.
However, the movement is facing resistance. Progressive Catholics and moderate members of the Church argue that the MAGA approach could alienate the younger generation and undermine the Church’s universal mission. They cite Pope Francis’ emphasis on mercy, inclusiveness and social justice as more in line with the spirit of the Gospel. Critics also warn that an over-reliance on a political movement could weaken the Church’s moral authority.
The Financial Times notes that this struggle reflects broader tensions in global Catholicism, as conservative factions in the US and elsewhere challenge the Vatican’s policies. Given the impact of the 2024 US presidential election, which has increased MAGA’s cultural clout, the movement could have a long-term impact on American Catholicism.
