U.S. Catholic bishops have elected Oklahoma City Archbishop Paul Coakley as their new president, signaling a continued conservative direction under President Donald Trump’s second term. While emphasizing traditional values, the bishops have renewed calls for compassion toward migrants amid heightened immigration enforcement and parish fears of deportation.
Conservative Shift as Bishops Elect New Leader
U.S. Catholic bishops voted Tuesday to elect Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City as their next president, reflecting a firm conservative stance even as immigration enforcement concerns dominate discussions within the church. The decision underscores both continuity in social policy and deep divisions within the Catholic hierarchy.
Coakley, who succeeds Archbishop Timothy Broglio, secured the presidency after three rounds of voting, defeating Bishop Daniel Flores of Brownsville, Texas. Flores, a centrist and Latino leader from the U.S.-Mexico border, was later chosen as vice president. The vote, taken during the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ annual assembly, highlights the growing influence of conservative leadership during President Donald Trump’s second term. The bishops’ choice shows a continued focus on issues like abortion and religious freedom, while also recognizing the humanitarian aspects of immigration.
Coakley’s Record and Influence
Archbishop Coakley is often seen as part of the conference’s conservative wing. As an adviser to the Napa Institute, a network of Catholic conservatives, he has supported leaders who criticize Vatican changes. His support for church figures who emphasize doctrinal correctness over social change played a key role in his election.
In 2018, Coakley publicly supported Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, a strong critic of Pope Francis, who was later excommunicated for his controversial statements. Coakley’s election signals continued tension between the U.S. bishops and the Vatican’s progressive vision under Pope Francis, who has maintained the focus on inclusion, poverty, and environmental justice.
Division Among U.S. Bishops
Half of the ten candidates on the ballot came from the conservative bloc, with no clear front-runner emerging early in the process. Analysts note that while American bishops essentially share traditional views on moral issues, their priorities differ in tone and intensity.
Some bishops support working with the Vatican’s synod process to update church governance, while others, like Coakley, focus on cultural conservatism. Flores’s defeat is a setback for moderates who want a more unifying leadership as polarization grows within both the Church and American society.
Immigration Concerns Dominate the Agenda
Despite differences in opinion, immigration remains a shared concern among the public. Bishops at the meeting discussed the moral and pastoral challenges posed by the Trump administration’s strict enforcement policies. Reports from dioceses along the border described falling church attendance among immigrants fearful of deportation and raids near places of worship.
Catholic leaders also highlighted the shuttering of their refugee resettlement program after federal funding cuts. In a letter to Pope Leo, the bishops pledged to continue defending migrants and religious freedom, stating that they “cannot remain silent” while due process and the rights to worship are undermined. Pope Leo, echoing his predecessor, urged “deep reflection” on the plight of long-term residents facing detention, warning that many “have been deeply affected by what is going on right now.”
Looking Ahead
As Archbishop Coakley assumes leadership, the bishops are expected to balance loyalty to conservative values with advocacy for immigrants facing intensified enforcement. Their response will likely shape Catholic engagement in national immigration debates in the months ahead.
For continued updates on immigration and policy impacts on faith communities, visit ImmigrationQuestion.com.
Get answers to your immigration questions from licensed immigration attorneys. For attorneys, use our innovative 3-in-1 case management software to improve your practice. Download our free app on Google Play and the Apple App Store.
Resources:
**ImmigrationQuestion.com is a networking platform founded by Immigration Attorneys. It serves as a meeting ground for licensed immigration attorneys and people with immigration questions. It is not a law firm. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by USCIS or AILA. Attorneys on this platform are independent and have the discretion to offer a free consultation and/or set their fees under the law.
