
Giving Ventures Ep. 90 - Catholics on the Right
Jul 22, 2025
Kathryn Jean Lopez, a Senior Fellow at the National Review Institute, and Kris Mauren, President of the Acton Institute, delve into the interplay of Catholicism and American conservatism. They argue against strict political labels, emphasizing Catholic identity as a matter of orthodoxy. The discussion highlights the rise of issues like assisted suicide, generational divides in Catholic practices, and the resurgent interest in Catholicism tied to cultural stability. They assert the importance of living faith publicly, prompting a reevaluation of how Catholics engage in philanthropy.
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Catholic Identity Exceeds Left-Right Labels
- Kris Mauren argues the left-right political frame poorly describes Catholic identity and practice.
- He says the more accurate divide is between Catholics who accept magisterial teaching and those who do not.
Friar From A Liberal Parish At A Pro‑Life Protest
- Kathryn Jean Lopez describes a Franciscan friar from a liberal Manhattan parish joining pro-life protesters against assisted suicide.
- She uses the encounter to show Catholics often act from faith beyond political labels.
Integralism Clashes With American Traditions
- Kris Mauren defines Catholic integralism as reintegrating throne and altar and warns it clashes with American constitutional traditions.
- He calls attempts to impose moral law through the state both wrong and harmful to flourishing.


