Unilever.edu.vn delves into the intriguing connection between Kevin Roberts, the driving force behind Project 2025, and Opus Dei, a conservative Catholic organization. This exploration aims to understand the potential influence of Opus Dei on shaping US conservative policies.
Kevin Roberts, president of the Heritage Foundation, is a key figure in the conservative movement, spearheading Project 2025, a comprehensive plan endorsed by numerous conservative groups. This project seeks to bring about significant changes across various policy areas if Donald Trump is re-elected. However, beyond his public persona, Roberts maintains a close relationship with the Catholic Information Center (CIC) in Washington DC, an institution led by an Opus Dei priest and deeply connected to the organization.
Opus Dei, often shrouded in secrecy, is known for its conservative stance and belief in the interconnectedness of church and state. Gareth Gore, an expert on the organization, suggests that Opus Dei members are engaged in a “political project veiled in spirituality,” aiming to counter what they perceive as a progressive drift in society. This aligns with Project 2025’s objective of pushing back against progressive policies.
The connection between Roberts and Opus Dei goes deeper than his involvement with the CIC. He founded John Paul the Great Academy in Louisiana, a school that recognizes Opus Dei’s founder, Saint Josemaría Escrivá, as its patron. Roberts also participated in an Opus Dei-affiliated high school program in Austin, Texas, further demonstrating his engagement with the organization.
Critics raise concerns about the potential impact of Roberts’ affiliation with Opus Dei on his political endeavors, particularly regarding the imposition of personal religious views on public policy. However, it’s important to note that Opus Dei, while acknowledging Roberts’ membership, maintains that it doesn’t involve itself in political projects and that its members have the freedom to hold personal political views.
Leonard Leo, the Federalist Society executive vice-president, speaks to the media at Trump Tower on 16 November 2016.
Leonard Leo, a prominent figure in the conservative movement and a recipient of CIC’s highest honor, has praised the center while also denouncing his political adversaries. This further illustrates the intertwined nature of religious and political spheres within this network.
JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, speaks at a campaign rally at Radford University on 22 July 2024 in Radford, Virginia.
JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, has expressed support for Project 2025, lauding its innovative ideas for conservatism. This connection further links the project to the broader conservative movement and its potential influence on a future Trump administration.
Opus Dei’s history reveals its roots in Spain, where it emerged as a response to the perceived threats of socialism and communism. The organization’s core beliefs emphasize the importance of integrating faith into everyday life, including the professional sphere. This approach has led some to view Opus Dei as seeking to influence society through its members in various positions of power.
While Opus Dei insists on its apolitical nature, the organization’s conservative stance and the active involvement of figures like Roberts in both the organization and conservative politics raise questions about its potential influence. The extent to which Opus Dei’s ideology shapes Project 2025 and, consequently, future conservative policies remains a subject of debate.
