Arlington’s Roman Catholic bishop is sounding off about President Donald Trump’s social media post depicting himself as the next pope.
In a recent podcast, Bishop Michael Burbidge sharply criticized the president’s recent Truth Social post of himself in a white cassock and miter. He went on to praise Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s veto of the Virginia Right to Contraception Act — but criticized the Republican for approving legislation relating to in vitro fertilization.
Cardinals from around the world currently in conclave to determine the next pontiff following Pope Francis’ death last month.
“This is a period of mourning, and so even if it was some sort of lighthearted gesture, it was very, very insensitive,” Burbidge said in his “Walk Humbly” podcast this week. “It was not appreciated. It was somewhat hurtful. And so, no matter what the intention was, it was not dignified and it was not respectful.”
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The bishop said his phone flooded with text messages shortly after the image went out on Friday. He added that he hopes the president comes to recognize that “that really was not the right thing to do.”
“It’s not a time for anything disrespectful or lacking sensitivity as a church, as a family, mourn their father,” he said. “So let’s get serious. Let’s be prayerful. Let’s be dignified.”
Burbidge added that “it was wonderful” to see the president and First Lady Melania Trump attend the pope’s funeral.
While chastising the president, the bishop lauded Virginia’s governor for striking down a pair of bills meant to support access to contraceptives like birth control pills, IUDs and morning-after pills. The decision has sparked criticism from the American Civil Liberties Union and many progressives throughout the commonwealth.
“It’s troubling, isn’t it, that the lawmakers would even bring this kind of legislation to his desk?” Burbidge said. “I just cannot understand it. What a lack of appreciation for the sacredness of life, the dignity that belongs to human persons as children of God.”
In his veto explanation, Youngkin said that he supports contraception access but raised concerns about protecting religious freedoms.
On the other hand, Burbidge rebuked the governor for approving legislation requiring the Health Insurance Reform Commission to consider coverage for infertility treatment including in vitro fertilization in a review of “essential health benefits.” The bishop has argued that IVF promotes eugenics and described it as “unjust and morally wrong.”
Turning to the ongoing conclave, Burbidge said, “We are certainly praying for our cardinal electors and praying that they are filled with peace and serenity as they open their hearts to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.”
The conclave began yesterday (Wednesday), and the day ended without a decision on the new pope.
