Three Catholic Cardinals Criticize Trump’s Foreign Policy – NPR
Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago explains to NPR’s Scott Simon why he and two other Catholic cardinals released a statement criticizing the Trump administration’s foreign policy.
SCOTT SIMON, HOST:
This week, three prominent cardinals of the U.S. Catholic Church criticized the foreign policies of the Trump administration, including the approach to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, cuts to U.S. humanitarian aid programs, and proposals regarding Greenland. Cardinals Joseph Tobin of Newark, Robert McElroy of Washington, D.C., and Blase cupich of Chicago stated that our country’s moral role in confronting evil, upholding life and dignity, and protecting religious liberty are all being questioned. Cardinal cupich joins us now. Eminence, thank you for being with us.
BLASE CUPICH: Good to be with you again, Scott.
SIMON: What prompted you to speak out? Isn’t U.S. foreign policy the responsibility of a democratically elected government, not the church?
CUPICH: While in Rome with the other cardinals, we heard widespread concern from cardinals globally about current events. Then,the day after we finished,Pope Francis addressed the diplomatic corps accredited to the Vatican,highlighting a breakdown in post-World War II consensus. He emphasized issues like conflict resolution, respect for national borders and sovereignty, and the importance of dialog.These principles shouldn’t be overlooked, and the Pope wanted to emphasize them in his address. We wanted to ensure that message resonated as we spoke with people in our country.
SIMON: What about the argument that 8 million Venezuelans have left their country – a quarter of the population? Doesn’t removing Nicolás Maduro…