After Francis: U.S. pushes to install 'political catholicism' in Vatican

Pope Francis was elected as part of the dialectic between conservatism and progressivism, which has been observable in the Catholic Church since the times of Hippolytus and Callixtus. This dialectic will continue after him, but now the Trump administration will try to actively influence it. In fact, this was the purpose of Vance’s visit. Previously, the main proponent of Trumpism in the Vatican was Steve Bannon. Now, Vance has replaced him.

Vance represents 'political Catholicism,' which Washington will now actively try to impose on the Holy See. It is precisely the Catholic version of political Orthodoxy, in the style of Patriarch Kirill and promoted by Vance and company, that will play an important role at the new conclave.

Another dialectic will also intensify at the new conclave: the American and anti-American one, which will not fully coincide with the dialectic of conservatism and progressivism. For example, conservatives, especially from the Global South, will by no means necessarily support Vance’s line. If Washington intervenes in the conclave too forcefully, as is typical of Trump’s approach, this will most likely have the opposite effect.

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About the author: Kyrylo Hovorun, Doctor of Philosophy in Theology, Professor at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, Director of the Huffington Ecumenical Institute.

The editorial team does not always share the opinions expressed by blog authors.