A new Department of Justice report has sharply criticized the Biden-era FBI over its controversial memo targeting traditional Catholics, detailing how federal law enforcement came to portray some Catholic believers as potential extremist threats.
The 230-page report examines the origins of the FBI Richmond Field Office document that focused on so-called “Radical Traditionalist Catholics,” particularly Catholics associated with the Traditional Latin Mass.
The original FBI memo attempted to link traditionalist Catholic beliefs with “racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists.” It also characterized the targeted Catholics as potentially displaying opposition to the Second Vatican Council, criticism of recent popes, and views described by the bureau as anti-immigrant, anti-LGBT, or white supremacist.
The DOJ review found that the controversial assessment originated largely with a single FBI agent in Richmond. The memo became a national scandal after its existence was revealed, prompting accusations that the federal government was treating ordinary religious and conservative beliefs as potential indicators of extremism.
President Donald Trump ordered a review of the matter after returning to office, as part of his administration’s broader investigation into the alleged political weaponization of federal agencies.
The report renews concerns about how the FBI handled Catholics whose religious beliefs include traditional teachings on marriage, sexuality, abortion, and the family.
The findings provide further evidence that federal law enforcement crossed a serious line by allowing traditional religious beliefs to become associated with domestic extremism.
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