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Bishop Robert Barron Joins U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom
Confirmed
In Short: Bishop Robert Barron was named to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom by President Donald Trump.
Bishop Robert Barron was named to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom by President Donald Trump, the commission announced on Sept. 16. Barron, who already serves on the Religious Liberty Commission, expressed his honor at the invitation.
The commission, a bipartisan body, monitors global religious liberty issues and recommends policy to the U.S. government. It recently urged Trump to push for the release of religious prisoners in China and the end of religious persecution there.
Barron noted the commission’s bipartisan nature, highlighting past Catholic members such as Princeton Professor Robert George, Ambassador to the Holy See Mary Ann Glendon, and Archbishop Charles Chaput.
President Trump’s three new appointees, including Barron, were selected to fill positions that had become vacant after previous commissioners completed their terms. The appointments bring the commission to its full contingent of nine members.
Barron’s appointment reflects the Trump administration’s commitment to international religious freedom, an issue that has garnered significant attention from religious freedom advocates and human rights organizations.
What's confirmed
- Bishop Robert Barron this week was named to serve on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, the commission announced on Sept. 16.
- In a statement to EWTN News on Sept. 16, Barron said he was “honored” to accept Trump’s invitation to serve on the commission.
- “I feel privileged to join their company,” Barron said.
- It also advocates for those suffering from religious persecution, such as this week when it urged Trump to push for the release of religious prisoners in China and for the end of religious persecution by the Chinese government.
- Barron, who already serves as a member of the domestically focused Religious Liberty Commission, was appointed to the position by President Donald Trump.
- The Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, bishop was selected for the post alongside former U.S.
- The bishop noted that the commission itself is “strictly bi-partisan” with its members “chosen by leaders of both major political parties.” He highlighted the numerous Catholics who have served on the commission over the years, including Princeton Professor Robert George, U.S.
- Ambassador to the Holy See Mary Ann Glendon, Jesuit Father Thomas Reese, Archbishop Charles Chaput, and Bishop William Murphy.
What's still developing
- "Everyone must find a place in the Bishop’s heart, for everyone already has a place in the heart of Christ," he said.
- "Among the many things you will be called to do as Bishops, this is the most important. We are Bishops, but we are first and foremost disciples," the Pope said.
- Regarding the bishops' care for priests, the Pope urged special care for elderly and unwell priests.
- Finally, the Holy Father quoted again a line from St. Augustine that he offered on the day of his election and his first address to the People of God: Saint Augustine, speaking about his people, said: “ Vobis enim sum episcopus, vobiscum sum christanus ”, “for you… I am a bishop, with you I am a Christian” ( Sermon 340, 1).
- Addressing recently ordained bishops, the Holy Father spoke of their call to discipleship and shepherding, offering both encouragement and exhortation.
- Spend time with Jesus first, and learn the names of the people of your flock: These were among the recommendations that Pope Leo gave some 150 new bishops who gathered in Rome last week for a formation course on the role they are about to undertake.
- The annual course gathers recently ordained bishops from around the world, providing a unique opportunity both for learning and living in the fraternity of the universal Church.
- Commissioners are appointed for two-year terms and are eligible for one additional term.