Catholic values shape Gen Z's political views | On Balance

What happened in this episode?

This episode examines the growing political influence of Catholic voters and leaders in American conservatism, focusing on Vice President JD Vance's new book about his Catholic conversion and its strategic timing ahead of a potential 2028 presidential run. Host Leland Vittert speaks with Monsignor Gerard Sauer of Our Lady of Lourdes in Massapequa Park, New York, about the Republican Party's historic gains among Catholics in the 2024 election. The discussion explores how Catholics have shifted away from the Democratic Party over issues like abortion, immigration, and assisted suicide, with many traditional Democratic voters saying the party has abandoned them rather than the reverse. Vance's public disagreement with Vatican immigration policy while embracing his Catholic identity represents a new model of how Catholic politicians navigate tensions between faith and governance. The episode also highlights demographic shifts, noting that six of nine Supreme Court justices are Catholic, over a third of Trump's cabinet identifies as Catholic, and Generation Z is embracing traditional Catholic values rejected by millennials. Monsignor Sauer confirms from his parish experience that young people are returning to the Church seeking meaning beyond what secular culture promised, while older Catholics feel more aligned with conservative positions on borders, life issues, and traditional values than with contemporary Democratic platforms.

What are the key points?

• Vice President JD Vance publicly stated Vatican immigration positions are troubling while defending healthy debate between Catholic Church and administration officials.
• Republicans made historic gains with Catholic voters in 2024, reversing decades of Democratic advantage dating back to Bill Clinton's comfortable Catholic majority.
• Six of nine Supreme Court justices are Catholic, nearly all on the conservative wing, plus over one-third of Trump's second-term cabinet.
• Generation Z Catholics are embracing traditional Church values abandoned by millennials, driving a resurgence in orthodox Catholic practice and belief.
• Monsignor Gerard Sauer reports Catholics in his New York parish say the Democratic Party moved away from them on abortion, borders, and assisted suicide.
• JD Vance's new book focuses on his Catholic conversion journey, positioning faith as his opening statement for a potential 2028 presidential campaign.
• Catholic voters who identified as Kennedy-era Democrats now feel more comfortable with MAGA movement positions on immigration and life issues.

Which topics are covered?

How is this page sourced?

Programme

Reality Check with Ross Coulthart

Published

7 July 2026

Duration

6m

Original episode

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