The Chicago Sun-Times found that more than 70 Catholic clerics in Illinois collectively gave over $50,000 to political campaigns since 2021. The money was almost evenly split between Democrats and Republicans.
Just like their flock, Catholic priests are deeply divided politically, based on their campaign contributions - Chicago Sun-Times
The Rev. Albert Heidecke, pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in west suburban Downers Grove, contributed $1,900 to campaign funds benefiting Republican Donald Trump during his successful presidential run last year.
The Rev. Mark Krylowicz, pastor of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church on the Far South Side, gave $200 in campaign money to a fund benefiting Trump’s vanquished Democratic rival Kamala Harris in 2024.
The Rev. Dan Deutsch of St. Patrick Catholic Church in far west suburban St. Charles made 12 campaign contributions last year totaling more than $1,000, all benefiting political funds backing Trump. The Rev. Brian Bricker of St. Pius V Catholic Church in Chicago’s Pilsen area made 10 donations totaling $64.82 to Democratic campaign committees, including one called Stop Trump.
While Catholic priests may all see eye to eye over Jesus’ teaching about not taking an eye for an eye, they don’t all view partisan politics the same way, according to a Chicago Sun-Times analysis that …