Massimo Faggioli - Joe Biden and Catholicism in the United States

Massimo Faggioli

Massimo Faggioli has just published required reading for understanding the crucial if complex relationship of Catholicism to American public culture. JoeBiden and Catholicism in the United States offers a deeply nuanced and perceptive analysis of how Biden (and the Church he loves) fits into the rough-and-tumble game of American politics. With his usual lucid and engaging historical style, Faggioli offers a compelling long view of what Bidens presidency means for American Catholicsa view often missed by the mainstream media. Go out and buy this book.

Mark Massa, S.J., Director, Boisi Center for Religion and American Public Life, Boston College

A must-read for anyone who truly wants to understand Joe Biden.

Julian Coman, Associate Editor, The Guardian

Massimo Faggioli analyzes our U.S. Catholic Church divided between right-wing cultural warriors and Vatican II, Pope Francis Catholics. President Biden enters this scene as a fully engaged, knowledgeable, and faithful progressive Catholic. The presidents call to compassion and healing is a gospel challenge to the entire nation, but especially the Catholic hard-liners. Read this book now, and then keep it at hand for future reference as the 46th President of the United States follows his call to embody faith in this political engagementand riles some of the far-right leadership in the conservative Church.

Sr. Simone Campbell, S.S.S., Executive Director of NETWORK, Lobby for Catholic Social Justice

Our rosary-carrying second Catholic president, who sprinkles his speeches with references to popular hymns and quotes from saints, is sure to evangelize in a way few other public Catholics have. Massimo Faggiolis in-depth examination of Joe Bidens Catholicism is helpful and necessary as we embark on this historic presidency.

Heidi Schlumpf, Executive Editor, National Catholic Reporter

Part political scientist, part theologian, and part savvy cultural critic, Massimo Faggioli gives Catholics and non-Catholics alike a book full of insight into the way faith and religion have shaped President Biden and will surely shape his administrations decisions and policies. With crisp prose and a unique point of view, Faggioli captures the conundrum that is any faithful person, any family, and any church, and points hopefully toward many possible reconciliations that our worldand the Catholic Churchdesperately need.

Gregory W. Jordan, Executive Director of the Slattery Center for the Ignatian Humanities at The University of Scranton; author of The Saints Are Coming and Willie Mays Aikens: Safeat Home; screenwriter and producer of the forthcoming feature film The Royal

This is a very important book on a very timely topic by a very thoughtful and informed theologian. Hopefully, Massimos reflections will help challenge U.S. Catholics and the Biden administration to seek ways to work together to advance the common good in a divided Church and nation.

John Carr, Director, Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life, Georgetown University

In 1960, the election of President John F. Kennedy was a unifying source of pride for Americas Roman Catholics. But the prospect of President Joe Biden seems to provoke nothing but division and debate. What happened to the nation and to the Church in the six decades separating the election of the first and the second Catholic presidents? Drawing upon his unparalleled insight and erudition, Massimo Faggioli helps us answer this question.

Cathleen Kaveny, Darald and Juliet Libby Professor of Law and Theology, Boston College

Massimo Faggioli has become one of the most perceptive and prescient analysts of the Catholic Church in the era of Pope Francis in part because his training as a historian and theologian, and his background as an Italian Catholic, give him such a wide lens on issues of the day. Now, in Joe Biden and Catholicism in theUnited States, Faggioli brings his skills and background to the faith and politics of his adopted country and to what is the biggest Catholic story line to emerge since Francis was elected pope. His outsiders perspective and his deep well of knowledge provide unique perspectives for what will be an indispensable vade mecum for the Biden presidency.

David Gibson, Director of Fordham Universitys Center on Religion and Culture

With a keen eye for the complexities of American Catholicism and its relationship to an equally complex global Catholic reality, Massimo Faggioli offers a timely, thoughtful, and thought-provoking reflection on what it will mean for Catholicism and for American public life to have a practicing Catholic in the White House. Faggioli expertly weaves together strands of theology, Church history, and current events to provide a frank but fair analysis of the fault lines in American Catholic life, as well as the tensions between many prominent and influential American Catholics and Pope Francis. Yet Faggioli ultimately sounds a hopeful note, inviting us to reflect on how the fundamental alignment between Joe Biden and Pope Francis may help to animate a renewed sense of purpose for people of faith in public life, dedicated to promoting the common good.

Robert A. Ventresca, PhD, Professor of History, Kings University College at Western University, Canada

Given President Bidens deeply Catholic faith, this is a new moment to witness its social values being put to work in the public realm and for the common good of all. There is no one more insightful to imagine the possibilities and challenges than Massimo Faggioli, among the most astute and informed commentators on contemporary Catholicism.

Thomas Groome, Professor of Theology and Religious Education, Boston College, and author of Faith for the Heart

This is a learned and dangerous book. Dangerous for its powerful, loving, and unsparing critique of contemporary Catholicismand dangerous if Faggiolis wise theological and political counsel are not heeded. It is sure to be read by multiple audiences, not the least of whom will be many working for President Biden as he assumes the task of leading a deeply divided country as our second Roman Catholic president. Faggiolis audacious implicit thesisthat Biden may be uniquely equipped to lead the country with a form of lay Catholic leadership comfortable with pluralism and not afraid to confront the evils of global populism, the legacy of American racism, and the failures of the Trump administrationmake this a compelling book.

Shaun Casey, Director of the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs, Georgetown University; Former Special Representative for Religion and Global Affairs, U.S. Department of State

Professor Faggioli deftly weaves Joe Bidens Catholic life and faith into a sweeping story of American Catholicism and the challenges it faces in the 21st century. Faggiolis astute assessment of Biden gives readers a good look at his faith, the theology behind it, and the ways in which the American Church will both support and hamper his presidency. A must-read by one of the most important, insightful Catholic theologians writing today.

Anthea Butler, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, University of Pennsylvania

This excellent book provides illuminating historical and intellectual context for Joe Biden and his faith. It makes for essential reading for anyone seeking to understand American politics and the history of American Catholicism.