U.S. Cardinals Call for Ethical Guidance in Foreign Policy

Mon Jan 19 2026 19:51:04 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Three U.S. Catholic cardinals are advocating for a moral compass in U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing an ethical approach amidst debates on military actions and foreign aid.

In a significant statement, Cardinals Blase Cupich, Robert McElroy, and Joseph Tobin have expressed concerns that U.S. foreign policy is overly influenced by partisanship and narrow interests. They urge a return to a moral vision that prioritizes human dignity and international peace, cautioning against military actions in Venezuela and threats regarding Greenland. Their comments come after Pope Leo XIV’s critique of the current U.S. foreign policy landscape, promoting the idea that military force should only be a last resort.

ROME (AP) — Three U.S. Catholic cardinals are urging the Trump administration to pursue a foreign policy guided by moral principles, warning that U.S. military action in Venezuela, threats to acquire Greenland, and cuts to foreign aid may lead to increased suffering rather than peace.

Cardinals Blase Cupich of Chicago, Robert McElroy of Washington, and Joseph Tobin of Newark, N.J., issued their joint statement on Monday, emphasizing that the current discourse surrounding foreign policy has descended into 'polarization, partisanship, and narrow partisan interests.' Cardinal McElroy highlighted the moral ambiguity prevalent in both the U.S. and global foreign policy landscape, stating, 'I still believe the United States has a tremendous impact upon the world.'

This statement represents a notable vocalization from the U.S. Catholic hierarchy, appearing shortly after the bishops condemned the Trump administration’s treatment of migrants. Their advocacy for a more compassionate foreign stance follows a significant address by Pope Leo XIV, where he condemned the use of military force to exert national influence, undermining international peace.

The three cardinals specifically tackled military interventions and questioned the implications of military actions on peace and global understanding. They stressed that any military intervention should be a last resort aimed solely at protecting human life, dignity, and religious freedom.

In interviews, the cardinals indicated that their call to action was inspired by discussions with fellow cardinals during a recent meeting at the Vatican. They articulated that the moral considerations surrounding U.S. actions, particularly in Venezuela and Greenland, deserve thoughtful examination. They observed a troubling trend of justifying military interventions that prioritize national interests over ethical considerations.

Echoing Pope Leo’s message, the cardinals challenged the idea that U.S. prosperity could come at the inhuman treatment of others, urging a shift toward an ethical foreign policy that embraces humanitarian aid and addresses global needs without resorting to violence.