Analysis | Does the Catholic Church back right-wing populists? Depends on the country.

By Rick Noack Rick Noack Foreign affairs reporter focusing on Europe and international security Email Bio Follow May 14 at 8:59 AM With elections looming in a number of countries this month, including all 28 European Union member states, a key issue will be whether right-wing and nationalist parties can maintain their surge in support. In many of these countries, that question also involves the role of the Catholic Church.

Italy, Poland, and to some extent Australia can be seen as case studies for three very different approaches by the Catholic Church to retain supporters and could become promising models for the future or risky, misplaced bets.Migrants and refugees in 2017 are rescued by Spanish NGO Proactiva Open Arms workers in the Mediterranean Sea, about 18 miles north of Sabratha, Libya.

Ahead of European elections next week, members of far-right parties in Italy have openly rallied against the pope over his pro-refugee stance.Farther north, Poland’s right-wing populist government has adopted many of the same policies pursued by Salvini and his allies in Italy. Poland’s Law and Justice party is at least as opposed to refugees and immigration — but curiously, those positions have not stood in the way of closer ties to the Catholic Church.

Recently, a black comedy called “Kler” became a surprise blockbuster hit in Poland, drawing more than 4 million people to cinemas and becoming the third-most successful film here since the end of communism. The movie’s focus on sexual abuse by priests would have been unthinkable only years ago, but the church’s growing association with right-wing populists has opened the powerful institution up to partisan criticism from left-wing parties that would have found that too risky not long ago.

In a rare move, nine Australian church leaders appeared to side with Folau even though they did not name him in a letter that criticized what they said were mounting moves against freedom of speech and religious practice.

Yea that's probably true. In places where you don't have vast outright support, you still have isolated groups though. And, they claim tradition for themselves.

To answer your question, 2 words - Rat Line

They are Christians.

FakeNewsWaPo NoChristianphobia

STOP. CALLING. FASCISTS. “POPULISTS.”

The Catholic Church figures out what Jesus would do...then does the opposite.

You mean the Catholic Church whose leader is kissing the leader of the 'rival' religion who is sworn to destroy him, and is excused by their god of almost any sin up to and including mass murder and slavery in this pursuit? You mean that Church

Describe or define a “right wing Populist” ... ?

Since Mussolini? Probably.

Please SPARE the CATHOLIC CHURCH from this....you are CROSSING the line....in attempting to DIVIDE people along CHRISTIANITY....stop this NONSENSE....you have NOW LOST THE PLOT!

Analysis: Does the Catholic Church back all sins or just a selected few?

You guys really hate Christians & Jews ...don't you? Trolling the majority of Americans and their religious beliefs .... can't help yourselves. Garbage newspaper.

Another hit job on the Catholic Church, at a time when violent attacks against Catholics are surging. Despicable. fakenews EnemyOfThePeople

The Catholic Church backs pedophiles, rapists, and their enablers. They are not to be trusted on anything, anywhere.

Not in Conn

If it’s even one country, the answer is yes

They should. Let's Get the commies out of our churches.

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