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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 September 16. Barron, who serves as the Roman Catholic bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, expressed his honor at accepting the invitation.
Barron, who already serves on the Religious Liberty Commission, will now advocate for those suffering from religious persecution around the world. The commission, a bipartisan entity, monitors global religious liberty issues and advises the U.S. government on policy.
In a statement, Barron highlighted the commission’s bipartisan nature, noting that members are chosen by leaders of both major political parties. He mentioned several Catholics who have served on the commission, including Princeton Professor Robert George and Ambassador Mary Ann Glendon.
The commission, which now has its full contingent of nine members, includes Barron alongside Pastor Andrew Brunson and Joe Grogan, all appointed by President Trump. The appointments come after several previous commissioners reached the end of their terms in May.
Barron’s appointment underscores the commission’s ongoing commitment to advancing religious freedom abroad. USCIRF Vice Chair CeCe Heil welcomed the new commissioners, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan support in their efforts to promote religious freedom globally.
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.
- Ambassador to the Holy See Mary Ann Glendon, Jesuit Father Thomas Reese, Archbishop Charles Chaput, and Bishop William Murphy.
- Learn more Washington — September 17, 2026 Share on Bluesky Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Email to a friend Print President Donald Trump's new appointees to the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom include Bishop Robert Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, the commission said Sept. 16.
- Spokespersons for USCRIF and other religious freedom advocates previously told OSV News they were eager for Trump to make nominations to the commission after several previous commissioners reached the end of their terms in May.
- "This agency, formed by act of Congress over thirty years ago, is designed to advise both the President and Congress on matters pertaining to the defense and enhancement of religious liberty around the world," he said.
- USCIRF calls for a swift confirmation process for IRF Ambassador-Designate Lynch," Mahmood said. "Filling these roles demonstrates the ongoing commitment of the United States to international religious freedom as a priority in foreign policy.
What's still developing
- 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.
- "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.