In a recent podcast episode, Bishop Michael Burbidge of the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, decried President Donald Trump’s criticism of Pope Leo XIV as “unfortunate and disheartening” and offered his support to three cardinals who recently discussed immigration and politics with CBS News, saying he agreed with many of their points.
Bishop Burbidge began the episode of his podcast, “Walk Humbly,” by discussing the April 12 CBS News interview, which featured Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago, Cardinal Robert McElroy of Washington, D.C., and Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark, New Jersey. As Zeale News previously reported, the cardinals addressed the Trump administration's war in Iran and immigration enforcement and the relationship between Catholicism and politics.
Bishop Burbidge emphasized that the cardinals’ views do not represent those of all U.S. bishops, but he said that he agreed with several of the points made during the interview, especially the cardinals’ comment that the U.S. should adopt “a comprehensive approach to immigration.”
“It’s not good, it’s really quite wrong, that American immigration policy changes so dramatically with elections,” he said. “As the Church teaches, and we say this often on the podcast, every nation has the right to regulate its borders and enforce just immigration policy. At the same time, every migrant has a duty and obligation to respect the laws of the nation and always contribute positively to society. And for many, many years American immigration policy has been inconsistent.”
Bishop Burbidge said that the Church calls political leaders to shape immigration policy around human dignity and the common good, which he said “includes upholding justice and a rule of law.” Human dignity and the common good are not opposed to each other, he said, adding that he believes America, as a great nation, can discover a way to enforce immigration law that harmonizes both aspects.
The bishop also addressed Pope Leo’s calls for peace amid the U.S.-Iran conflict, saying that while Church doctrine recognizes “the right and duty of nations” to fight just wars, the Church “always promotes and pursues justice and peace.”
“Conflict should always be avoided wherever and whenever possible through tireless and relentless dialogue and negotiations,” he later added. “So Pope Leo has been an incredible witness to the Gospel, promoting peace since the war broke out.”
Finally, Bishop Burbidge discussed Trump’s social media posts and comments that criticized Pope Leo, saying that there was “no doubt” that the posts “crossed a line.”
“The Pope is not a politician. He was not speaking as a politician. He’s not a political rival,” the bishop said. “The Holy Father is the Vicar of Christ, called by his office to preach the Gospel and to speak moral truth to the entire world. So just like every father — every father strives for peace in his family and for his children — the Holy Father wants peace in the world. He wants peace for all of us and the glory of God.”
Bishop Burbidge emphasized that the Church seeks to inspire and influence political life since “politics involves applying principles and moral law … to the issues of our day.”
“So we will always, as the Holy Father has done so beautifully, call civil leaders to recognize what scripture tells us, that the ultimate authority comes from God,” he continued, later adding, “We’re not here to obey man; we’re here to obey God.”