The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has elected Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City as its new president, a decision reflecting the conservative trajectory of the bishops during Donald Trump’s new presidential term. This election combines the church’s stance on social issues with its ongoing advocacy for humane immigration policies, revealing complexities in the bishops’ priorities.
Coakley, previously elected as secretary of the bishops’ conference in 2022, emerged as the leading contender among a slate of candidates that included a mixture of conservative and centrist figures. He ultimately defeated Bishop Daniel Flores of Brownsville, Texas, who assumes the role of vice president. The election process, which spanned three rounds of voting, was marked by a lack of a clear frontrunner, emphasizing the internal dynamics and ideological divides within the U.S. Catholic Church.
A notable figure within the Napa Institute, which gathers conservative Catholic voices, Coakley has previously demonstrated his willingness to confront contemporary church leaders. In 2018, he voiced support for Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, a critic of Pope Francis, whose controversial stances led to his excommunication.
The bishops’ election points to a balance between conservative and centrist positions, as half of the candidates leaned toward conservatism. Yet, many bishops share a conservative approach to social issues, with some prioritizing stances against abortion and LGBTQ+ rights more than others. According to David Gibson, director of Fordham University’s Center on Religion and Culture, this division illustrates the current state and complexity of the American Catholic hierarchy.
Coakley’s victory is significant as it signals the intentions of the bishops during a time when immigration will be a key topic of discussion. Despite polarization on various subjects within the conference, they collectively recognize the plight of migrants and are prepared to advocate for their rights. The bishops have expressed concerns over the administration’s immigration policies, which have seen a decline in mass attendance in affected parishes due to fears surrounding enforcement.
Furthermore, the bishops have sent a letter to the pope affirming their commitment to migrants and their rights to worship without fear. They acknowledge the necessity for secure borders while emphasizing the importance of due process and ensuring that those who contribute positively to society are not unjustly affected by harsh immigration measures.
Pope Leo XIV has reinforced this message, calling for reflection on the treatment of detainees and highlighting the long-term consequences of current policies on innocent individuals. The bishops’ united stance on immigration, coupled with their desire to engage constructively with the Vatican, illustrates a hopeful pathway toward bridging divides within the church and advocating for those marginalized in society.