The Conciliar Legacy of Freedom and the Rise of Catholic Authoritarianism: Christian Nationalism, Catholic Integralism, and the Role of Church Leadership

This paper examines the role of Catholic Church doctrine, hierarchical leadership, and episcopal support in the rise of Christian Nationalism and Catholic Integralism, focusing on the current U.S. Presidential Administration. While Dignitatis Humanae and Gaudium et Spes affirmed the Church’s commitment to religious freedom and human dignity, certain bishops and Catholic leaders have actively worked to undermine Vatican II’s vision by aligning with nationalist movements. Drawing on recent examples from the U.S., Hungary, and Brazil, this paper explores how episcopal endorsements of political leaders have contributed to an authoritarian turn in Catholic engagement with the state. It also highlights Pope Francis’s recent rebuke of JD Vance over ordo amoris, underscoring the tension between Vatican II’s teachings and contemporary Catholic political movements. Ultimately, this paper argues that the struggle over Vatican II’s legacy of freedom shapes the twenty-first century's ecclesial and political landscapes.