A Year of Faith and Politics: 2025's Biggest Religion Moments

Top Stories of the Year

The Religion News Association highlighted two major events in the U.S. for 2025:

1. Election of Pope Leo XIV
2. Heated Immigration Debates

Pope Leo XIV: A New Voice in the Vatican

Pope Leo XIV made a significant impact shortly after his election.

Key Moments:

• Pentecost Sunday Speech: > "The Spirit opens borders, first of all, in our hearts."
• Called for overcoming fear and prejudice.
• Named Top Religion Newsmaker of the Year.

Immigration Debates: Faith vs. Policy

President Donald Trump's call for sweeping deportations sparked protests from faith groups.

Key Reactions:

• Catholic Bishops & Faith Groups:
• Condemned the climate of fear.
• U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops approved a statement rejecting fear-based policies.
• Pope Leo XIV's Stance:
• Acknowledged countries' right to control borders.
• Criticized "extremely disrespectful" or "inhuman" treatment of long-term immigrants.

Other Notable Events

1. Assassination of Evangelical Activist Charlie Kirk

• His wife's public forgiveness of the accused gunman added complexity to the story.

2. Zohran Mamdani: New York City's First Muslim Mayor

• His election sparked both pride and anti-Islamic rhetoric.

3. Violence Against Faith Communities

• Deadly attacks on Mormon, Catholic, and Jewish targets.
• Anti-Defamation League reported record-high antisemitism.
• FBI noted Jews as the most frequent victims of religious hate crimes.

Trump's Return: Religious and Political Debates

• Presidential Claim: > "Saved by God to make America great again."
• Religious Liberty & Free Speech:
• Supported by conservative Christians.
• Seen as threats to church-state separation by liberals.
• Freeze on Refugee Admissions & Funding:
• Faith-based networks cut services.
• Critics claimed persecuted refugees were at risk.
• Progressive Religious Groups:
• Protested immigration crackdowns and diversity hiring rollbacks.

IRS Reinterprets the Johnson Amendment

• Change: Exempted political speech within religious groups from enforcement.
• Reactions:
• Right-wing leaders claimed they were previously targeted.
• Liberal faith leaders were rarely criticized.