Maxwell Kuzma
Whiplash with Maxwell Kuzma
What is Catholic Nationalism?
0:00
-57:36

What is Catholic Nationalism?

Inside the Unholy Alliance of Religion, Power, and Identity

What happens when Catholic identity gets tangled up with far-right politics? It's not just happening—it's gaining ground.

In this episode, Max and Emma unravel the rise of Catholic nationalism: how it echoes and extends Christian nationalist ideology, how it’s fueled by traditionalist movements like SSPX, and how it’s amplified through conservative media outlets like EWTN and Fox News. From the co-opting of sacred symbols like the rosary to questioning the legitimacy of Pope Francis, we examine how faith is being weaponized in the name of power and control.

Alongside critique, there’s care. We share our personal stories of leaving conservative Catholicism behind, embracing queer identities, and building an expansive, affirming vision of faith rooted in justice and liberation. Also: a completely necessary digression about Cate Blanchett (trust us—it fits).

This episode is an invitation to question, to resist, and to imagine something better.

- -
As a reminder, you can also listen on Spotify (which includes the video version) and Apple Podcasts. Let us know what resonated (or didn’t!) in the comments. We’re listening.

Discussion about this episode

User's avatar