The tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, has remained one of the most analyzed and debated events in modern American history. Over the decades, many have sought answers to the countless questions surrounding the circumstances of his death, leading to widespread conspiracy theories. Recently, President Donald Trump’s administration took a significant step in providing transparency on this issue by releasing classified government documents related to the assassination. This move aligns with a broader desire for truth and openness, values that resonate deeply with Catholic teachings on the dignity of the human person and the importance of truth in our society.
On March 18, 2025, President Trump announced the release of the long-awaited JFK assassination files. “People have been waiting for decades for this,” Trump stated during a visit to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, which he now chairs. “We have a tremendous amount of paper. You’ve got a lot of reading,” he added, expressing the extensive nature of the document release. “I don’t believe we’re going to redact anything,” he continued, signaling his commitment to maximum transparency.
These documents, numbering in the thousands, offer the public an unprecedented look into the government’s investigations of the assassination. According to JFK assassination scholar Jefferson Morley, the first batch of files is “an encouraging start.” Morley, who has studied the CIA’s role in the events surrounding Kennedy’s death, noted that “seven of ten JFK files held by the Archives and sought by JFK researchers are now in the public record.” He emphasized that these documents “shed new light on JFK’s mistrust of the CIA, the Castro assassination plots, the surveillance of Oswald in Mexico City, and CIA propaganda operations involving Oswald” (Meyer, 2025).
This release is significant not only for historians and researchers but also for the broader public, as it brings us closer to understanding the tragic events that led to the loss of a beloved president. As Catholics, we recognize the importance of seeking the truth and upholding justice. The Church teaches that truth is essential for the dignity of the human person, and the release of these documents aligns with our moral obligation to seek the whole truth, especially when it comes to matters of historical significance.
While the release is a step forward, much remains undisclosed. Morley pointed out that “two thirds of the promised files, or any of 500-plus IRS records or 2,400 recently discovered FBI files, have not been released.” This indicates that while some progress has been made, there is still much work to be done. This unfinished work reminds us that truth, especially in complex historical events, often requires patience, persistence, and continued diligence—values that reflect the Catholic understanding of the journey toward justice.
The search for truth is not without its challenges. The initial release of the documents reportedly set off a scramble within the Justice Department to meet Trump’s deadline. According to ABC News, the department’s National Security Division had to conduct a “second set of eyes” review to ensure the documents were properly declassified. This added complexity shows that even the process of uncovering truth is often fraught with obstacles, reminding us of the importance of perseverance in our pursuit of justice.
One of the most fascinating aspects of these documents is their potential to shed light on the mysterious figures involved in the assassination. According to the documents, the CIA and FBI were heavily involved in investigations surrounding Lee Harvey Oswald, the man accused of assassinating Kennedy. Despite the evidence that Oswald acted alone, as concluded by the Warren Commission, the question of whether others were involved in a larger conspiracy continues to intrigue many, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has called for the full release of these files to see if “any U.S. officials were involved in the assassination or potential coverup” (Meyer, 2025).
The Catholic Church teaches us the importance of honesty and integrity, especially in our governance and public institutions. As more documents are released, it is crucial that these revelations are examined with an eye toward justice, and that any wrongdoings uncovered be addressed accordingly. The desire for transparency, as exemplified by President Trump’s decision to release these files, speaks to a higher calling for truth and accountability.
While many questions surrounding JFK’s assassination may remain unanswered, the release of these files represents a significant step in the ongoing quest for truth. As Catholics, we are called to be diligent in our search for justice, recognizing that truth, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable, is the foundation upon which a just society is built. We must continue to pray for wisdom and understanding as we move forward, trusting that the truth, in God’s time, will ultimately prevail.
Sources:
- Meyer, Josh. “Trump releases JFK files in long-awaited move.” Reuters, March 18, 2025.
