Vice President J.D. Vance's accusations that Catholic bishops have criticized President Donald Trump's stance on immigration because they're concerned about losing money were disappointing and harmful, according to Cardinal Timothy Dolan of the Archdiocese of New York.
"I was really disappointed with what he said on 'Face the Nation' the other day, and I don't mind telling you, somewhat hurt," Dolan said on his SiriusXM program, "Conversation with Cardinal Dolan," on Tuesday. "This was not only harmful, this was inaccurate."
On the CBS program Sunday, Vance, a practicing Catholic, said he was "heartbroken" by a statement from Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, who said enforcement of immigration enforcement actions in schools, churches, healthcare facilities, and other sensitive locations "are deeply troubling and will have negative consequences."
Vance called on the USCCB to "look in the mirror a little bit and recognize" that it receives "$100 million to help resettle illegal immigrants" and asked if the organization is "worried about humanitarian concerns, or are they actually worried about their bottom line?"
The vice president also commented that he does not believe the USCCB has been a "good partner in common-sense immigration enforcement that the American people voted for. And I hope, again, as a devout Catholic, that they'll do better."
Dolan, speaking with co-host Father Dave Dwyer, called Vance's comments "scurrilous."
"It's very nasty, and it's not true," Dolan, who gave the invocation at Trump's inauguration, said. "You want to come look at our audits, which are scrupulously done? You think we make money caring for the immigrants? We're losing it hand over fist."
Dolan added that the Catholic Church is "not in a money-making business," and pointed out that the church in New York has been asked by Mayor Eric Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul to help care for immigrants, as well as the federal government."
"'We need your help in caring for the immigrant,'" Dolan said the church has been told. "'By the way, here's some of the money we've set aside because you guys use it frugally, and you account for every penny.'"
Dolan added that Vance impressed him as a "gentleman and a thoughtful man, and from whom I'm still expecting great things."
"I hope it was an uncharacteristic moment," Dolan said.
Dolan's program airs weekly on SiriusXM's The Catholic Channel 129.