US Catholic Bishops Prepare for Significant Leadership Vote

Tue Nov 11 2025 16:46:33 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The U.S. Catholic bishops are set to elect their new president and vice president, reflecting the conference's division and priorities in a changing cultural landscape.

As U.S. Catholic bishops gather in Baltimore to elect new leadership, the outcome could signal a shift in the conference's approach to issues like immigration and the church's relationship with the Vatican. With a slate reflecting both conservative and progressive members, the election examines choices for a leader aligned with Pope Leo XIV's pastoral focus or one embracing traditional conservative values.

On Tuesday, the United States' Catholic bishops will cast their votes in Baltimore for their next president and vice president, a moment of significance that may convey the current priorities of the American hierarchy.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops often finds itself at odds with Pope Francis' directives that emphasize reaching out to marginalized communities and addressing social issues such as poverty and environmental care. The upcoming elections could reshape this dynamic depending on whether the bishops favor a prominent culture warrior or a leader with an inclusive, pastoral approach.

The candidate list is notably split, with half from the conference's conservative wing. While most bishops align conservatively on social issues, there is a divergence in their focus, especially regarding approaches to abortion and LGBTQ+ rights. David Gibson from Fordham University remarked, The slate of 10 candidates perfectly reflects the dynamics of the American hierarchy in that it’s split down the middle.

No front-runner has emerged among the candidates, who were nominated by their peers. The winner will replace outgoing leader, Military Services Archbishop Timothy Broglio, serving a three-year term. Current vice president, Archbishop William Lori, is too close to the mandatory retirement age of 75 to be included in the running.

Among conservative stalwarts, Oklahoma City Archbishop Paul Coakley stands out as a strong candidate, having previously served as secretary of the conference. Coakley is a vocal supporter of conservative Catholic ideologies, including backing critics of Pope Francis.

Notable names on the ballot include Bishop Robert Barron, a prominent media figure in Catholic circles known for his progressive outreach, and Bishop Kevin Rhoades, who maintains a foothold within traditional conservatism. Those aspiring for unity among the bishops see potential in candidates like Archbishop Charles Thompson and Bishop Daniel Flores, who represent the growing Latino demographic within the U.S. Catholic Church.

This election will also occur amid discussions on immigration policies, a topic where even conservative leaders express solidarity with migrants, differentiating from other contentious issues. The outcome may also determine how vocal the bishops will be regarding the previous administration's immigration policies, reflecting broader societal divides.

Pope Leo XIV has called for a deep reflection in the U.S. about the treatment of migrants, shedding light on a crisis that affects many church communities. As the bishops convene, the eyes of Catholic faithful will be on how they choose their new leaders and set the course for the church's mission in America.