Archbishop William E. Lori calls for spiritual renewal of political culture

Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore delivered a keynote address at the 2026 National Assembly of the Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious in Florissant, Missouri. Addressing a gathering of religious leaders at the Augustine Institute, Lori emphasized that renewing American political culture requires a renewal of human character, spiritual life, and personal relationships rather than just institutional changes.

Lori stated that societal renewal begins with individuals, noting, “Before there can be renewal of institutions, there must be renewal of persons.” He argued that religious life should remain “above politics” to avoid becoming captive to partisan ideologies, while maintaining that consecrated life serves to bless and redeem society rather than withdraw from it.