Archbishop Lori urges legal professionals to ‘rebuild a culture damaged by toxic politics’ October 23, 2025By Catholic Review Staff Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, From the Archbishop, Local News, News Archbishop William E. Lori urged legal professionals at the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s annual Red Mass to “rebuild a culture damaged by toxic politics.” The Red Mass and awards banquet, sponsored by the St. Thomas More Society of Maryland, were held Oct. 22 at St. John the Evangelist in Frederick. Red Masses are celebrated annually near the start of the judicial year for all members of the legal profession, regardless of religious affiliation, including judges, lawyers, law professors, law students and government officials. During his homily, Archbishop Lori noted that the United States will celebrate its 250th anniversary next July 4. He said that amid the fireworks, parades and picnics it will be a perfect time to unite the nation. “If our prayer is sincere, God will hold up a mirror before our eyes,” Archbishop Lori said to the legal professionals. “The Lord will allow us to see ourselves as we really are – with our strengths and weaknesses, our virtues and vices. In sustained prayer, we will absorb God’s wisdom as we discern what we must do in the years ahead to preserve, protect and defend the republic we have inherited, with its Constitution, its laws and its guaranteed rights and freedoms.” He made note of the recent spate of political violence in the nation, calling the rising tide of political violence “alarming.” Archbishop Lori specifically mentioned the slaying of Minnesota state legislators, threats against judges, threats of violence against political opponents, political polarization “to the point of paralysis,” the “weaponization” of the law and the “unreliability of the news we consume.” “Honestly,” he said, “I don’t mean to depress or infuriate you. I’m simply saying that, as we approach America’s 250th anniversary, we need to set about rebuilding our political culture and restoring the structures of our society that are essential for peace, justice and security. “If you agree, then perhaps we can consider two questions: First, how does faith and Catholic social teaching guide us in this project of mending political structures and relationships? “Second, what is the role of judges and lawyers in the project of rebuilding our political culture?” The Mass was celebrated on the feast of Pope St. John Paul II, and Archbishop Lori drew parallels to the saint’s works for freedom. “First is his emphasis on solidarity, a recognition that we are all in this together,” Archbishop Lori said. “This is more than feelings of compassion for others in their misfortunes, important and necessary as this is. More than that, solidarity is a bedrock commitment to the common good, ‘to the good of all and to the good of each individual because we are really responsible for all’ (Centesimus Annus). In a just and cohesive society, we share responsibility to uphold the dignity of one and all. Contrast that with the prevailing climate in which narrow and angry partisanship and political gamesmanship fester. Of course, there will always be political disagreement and opposing parties. But these days, there is often an inability or an unwillingness to acknowledge the humanity of one’s opponents, and an unwillingness to find ways to work together for the good of all. Thus, we must strive for what Pope Francis called, ‘a new kind of politics.’ ” Archbishop Lori concluded by noting that it wasn’t his place to lecture judges and lawyers on their role in the judiciary in rebuilding and sustaining a healthy political culture. “I simply want to say what you already know, better than I,” he said. “Crucial to the rebuilding and maintenance of a just and peaceful society is the passing of just and reasonable laws that truly seek the common good and the flourishing of individuals; interpretations of the law that are fair and accurate, and untainted by partisanship and ideology, likes or dislikes; the fair adjudication of claims without fear or favor.” The archbishop said that as members of bench and bar, as advocates and ministers of justice, legal professionals are “uniquely positioned to help our nation move ahead, in genuine solidarity, in truth and freedom, with an unwavering commitment to the common good and human flourishing.” “You are in a position to help people, especially those in need, to believe once again in the soundness of our constitutional system in the fairness of our judicial processes, in the goodness of our republic,” he said. In addition to the Mass, an awards banquet was held afterward with Richard Sandy, administrative judge for the Circuit Court for Frederick County honored as the “Man for All Seasons.” The award was given by the St. Thomas More Society of Maryland. Over the centuries, especially in the United Kingdom and the United States, the Red Mass has become more closely associated with St. Thomas More – an English lawyer and statesman who was martyred during the reign of Henry VIII of England for his stance on religious liberty. In 2000, Pope John Paul II declared St. Thomas More the heavenly patron of statesmen and politicians. To read Archbishop Lori’s full homily, visit archbalt.org/archbishop-loris-homily-red-mass-2025 Read More Local News Calvert Hall holds off Loyola Blakefield to claim a 28-24 victory in the 105th Turkey Bowl Tears and prayers greet St. Thérèse relics in Towson Mercy surgeons help residents get back on their feet at Helping Up Mission Maryland pilgrims bring energy and joy to NCYC 2025 Governor Moore visits Our Daily Bread to thank food security partners Relic of St. Francis of Assisi coming to Ellicott City Copyright © 2025 Catholic Review Media Print
