Recent revelations about the federal funding awarded to Catholic non-governmental organizations (NGOs) over the past four years have raised significant questions regarding the motivations behind the U.S. Catholic bishops’ public stances on political issues. An in-depth analysis of federal spending has revealed that the Biden administration granted Catholic NGOs nearly $2.9 billion in immigration-related funding, a figure more than three times higher than the funding awarded under the Trump administration’s first term.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and affiliated Catholic NGOs have long been active participants in resettling immigrants and refugees, advocating for policies aligned with Catholic social teaching. However, the sheer scale of financial support during the Biden administration has sparked concerns about potential conflicts of interest, especially as these same bishops have largely refrained from addressing Biden’s anti-Catholic policies. Furthermore, despite Canon 915 of Catholic Church law—which states that Catholics “obstinately persisting in manifest grave sin” should not receive Holy Communion—many bishops have continued to welcome Biden to the Eucharist.
The analysis, conducted using data from USAspending.gov, reviewed immigration-related federal funding awarded to Catholic NGOs between 2009 and 2024. Researchers flagged organizations affiliated with the Catholic Church, analyzed the geographical distribution of funds across dioceses, and used data visualization tools like Tableau to present the findings. The results revealed striking disparities: Catholic NGOs received $2.9 billion in the past four years, compared to $5.2 billion over the previous 16 years combined. More than half of the funding awarded since 2009 occurred under the Biden administration, raising questions about the intersection of financial incentives and ecclesiastical advocacy.
The two largest recipients of these funds were Catholic Charities, which secured $2.6 billion, and the USCCB itself, which received nearly $1.6 billion. Geographically, the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., led the way with $1.6 billion, followed by the Diocese of Fort Worth with nearly $1 billion. Federal funding was primarily allocated through three key programs: Refugee and Entrant Assistance State/Replacement Designee Administered Programs (41%), Refugee and Entrant Assistance Voluntary Agency Programs (18%), and the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (12%).
Critics of this funding suggest it may explain the bishops’ public silence regarding President Biden’s policies and their criticism of former President Trump. Trump’s immigration policies, including reduced refugee admissions and stricter enforcement of immigration laws, jeopardized the federal funding streams that Catholic NGOs heavily rely upon. Meanwhile, Biden’s more lenient approach to immigration not only aligns with the USCCB’s advocacy but also ensures the continued flow of federal dollars to Catholic organizations.
Beyond the financial data, the study highlights the broader context of financial challenges facing the Church. Catholic dioceses have paid over $5 billion to settle sex-abuse scandal lawsuits, with additional millions spent on legal fees. This financial strain may contribute to the Church’s reliance on federal funding to sustain its operations and social programs, including those related to immigration.
The findings also spotlight inconsistencies in leadership messaging. For instance, Pope Francis has criticized strict immigration policies, such as Trump’s deportation plans, while simultaneously implementing measures to limit illegal entrants into Vatican City.
This financial and political entanglement raises critical questions about the motivations behind the bishops’ policy positions and public statements. While Catholic NGOs provide essential services to vulnerable populations, the Church’s reliance on government funding risks creating the appearance of compromised integrity. As the faithful consider these findings, it is essential to prioritize transparency, accountability, and adherence to core Catholic principles to navigate the challenges of serving both God and neighbor.
The corruption of the leaders of the Novus Ordo church which includes widespread sexual abuse, embezzlement, funding of abortion, supporting the sin of homosexuality, and using government funds to advance the destruction of the foundations of Christianity, should be a wake up call to faithful Catholics that these people cannot possibly be shepherds of Christ’s Church but wolves in sheep’s clothing.
Thank you for your comment, but you are bananas. St. John Paul II — the Great — and Benedict XVI supported it. Are you calling them wolves?
Look up information on Bella Dodd and you may better understand what happened.
Yup
I am a Catholic, and The Church by no Means should be taking money from the Government to use for Catholic Charities. Donations are the only money to be used. The church and State are Not suppose to be separate. Bringing illegals into this Country against our laws is not Charity- it is breaking the Law. The Church is sinning by doing just that. Breaking the law is even a higher sin. Then appearing as a Non for Profit when getting Grant Money makes me think there is some manipulation of the books to get this Tax Exemption so the church does not have to pat Taxes or Real estate Taxes.
If the church goes against the law of the Country it should Loss all Exemptions for life and have to payback all taxes including Real Estate.
To many people have been hurt by these illegals and it is unconscionable that the church can not understand the severity of the issue.
Amen. This is exactly how I feel as well.
Amen
I think you meant to say the Church and State are supposed to be separate. That Bishop stood up there and showed exactly what she was all about, the money for sure. I found her to be so disgusting and thought the president and family should have stood up and left the church. They were shocked! This was not a good look for Catholics. But then they have condoned sexual assaults on children by priests so nothing they do surprises me.
Separation of Church and State is a foundation of this country. This cannot be tolerated. Nice to know that the Church doesn’t need my money since it has the government as a sponsor.
Catholic Charities has been used by the Biden administration to assist the flow of illegal immigration into the US. This organization’s leadership should be removed for such activity. They helped bring bad and dangerous people to the US. This liberal church could use an overhaul as well.
Enslaving our children $36 trillion in debt besides bringing in diseases and crime Very Sad