The NY Times features CforC On His Article: “How Francis Catalyzed the Catholic Right in the U.S.”

Articles | April 23, 2025 | by Catholics for Catholics

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The New York Times article, “How Pope Francis Catalyzed the Catholic Right in the U.S.,” published on April 21, 2025, examines the rise of conservative Catholic activism in response to Pope Francis’ progressive papacy, with a particular focus on the organization Catholics for Catholics as a leading force in this movement.

The article explores how Pope Francis’ papacy, beginning in 2013, has polarized American Catholics. His “inclusive approach” — marked by openness to issues like homosexuality, emphasis on social justice, and critiques of traditionalist rigidity — has clashed with conservative Catholics who prioritize doctrinal clarity and traditional practices. This tension has fueled a robust conservative resistance, with Catholics groups opposing Francis’ progressive reforms.

The excerpt from the New York Times article also highlights the comments about Pope Francis offered by John Yep, head of Catholics for Catholics, days before Pope Francis passed away:

“At some point you have to assume this is intentional weaponized ambiguity,” said John Yep, the chief executive of Catholics for Catholics, a combative Catholic political organization he founded in 2022 and that has received praise from President Trump.

Mr. Yep also mentioned a document Pope Francis signed on a 2019 trip to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, which made him the first pope to visit the Arabian Peninsula. The document, also signed by the grand imam of an influential Egyptian mosque, declared that “diversity of religions” was “willed by God,” which came as a shock to some, given that the Catholic Church also claims to be the one true church.

“It’s counter to the very notion of the Catholic faith,” Mr. Yep said. “If God doesn’t care what religion you are, there’s no point.”

The article also contextualizes Catholics for Catholics within a larger conservative Catholic ecosystem, mentioning figures like Bishop Joseph Strickland, General Michael Flynn and media outlets like EWTN, which amplify traditionalist views. However, Catholics for Catholics stands out for its grassroots mobilization and appeal to younger Catholics concerned with Francis’ papacy. The organization’s events and fundraising efforts, mentions the NYTimes, underscore its mission to restore traditional Catholic values, making it a central player in the conservative resistance.

In summary, the article portrays Pope Francis’ papacy as a catalyst for division among American Catholics, with Catholics for Catholics and other groups playing a pivotal role in organizing and amplifying conservative opposition to a progressive agenda.

NYT subscribers can read full article here > NYTimes