Westminster Archbishop congratulates UK’s Catholic PM

Archbishop Richard Moth was among the first to congratulate Mr Burnham on becoming Prime Minister. The archbishop said, “We are living in challenging times. As Christians we have a duty to be bridge-builders and peacemakers. Where there are tensions, hostility and injustice, we are called to respond with real concern and respect for the dignity of the person, for the needs of families, the marginalised and the vulnerable.

“The Prime Minister faces many challenging issues as he begins his work, and I assure him and his family of my continued prayers for the task ahead.”

Following the resignation of Sir Keir Starmer, Mr Burnham became leader of the Labour Party on July 17. Mr Burnham is the UK’s first Prime Minister to enter office publicly identifying as a Catholic, EWTN News reported.

Previous UK prime ministers have had connections to the Catholic faith, although none have begun their terms in office as practising Catholics. Tony Blair, prime minister from 1997 to 2007, converted to Catholicism after leaving office. Boris Johnson, prime minister from 2019 to 2022, though baptised a Catholic as an infant, entered Downing Street as an Anglican.

Christine Allen, chief executive of British Catholic aid agency CAFOD, said: “Andy Burnham’s Catholic upbringing will undoubtedly continue to play an important part in informing his leadership and decision-making. He has talked about prioritising fairness and justice, and of having the courage to ‘fix big things’.

“All of that will be necessary as the UK prepares to take on the leadership of the G20 later this year. The Church’s social teaching offers a priceless framework that speaks into every aspect of life and leadership. It will be a valuable guide in the biggest challenges Mr Burnham will need to address, such as lifting people out of poverty, tackling the climate crisis and reforming the broken and harmful financial systems in our world today.”

Mr Burnham is not a regular Massgoer, but sent his children to Catholic schools. He has been seen as applying Catholic social teaching principles to policy but has also shown support for same-sex marriage, assisted suicide and abortion, which are not in line with Catholic teaching.  

FULL STORY

Andy Burnham visits the Passage on way to Downing Street, pledges to end homelessness (By Ruth Gledhill, Amelie Robinson/The Tablet)

Andy Burnham’s Catholic identity in the spotlight (EWTN News)