Pete Buttigieg, the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, captured national attention during the Democratic presidential debates, prompting many to delve into the background of this articulate and relatively young political figure. Among the frequently asked questions is about his religious affiliation: Is Pete Buttigieg Catholic? The answer is nuanced, reflecting a faith journey that has led him from his Catholic upbringing to his current Episcopal identity.
Buttigieg’s early life was steeped in Catholicism. His parents, Joseph Buttigieg and Anne Montgomery Buttigieg, were professors at the University of Notre Dame, a renowned Catholic institution. They baptized their son in the Catholic Church. Joseph Buttigieg, originally from Malta, a predominantly Catholic island nation, had even studied for the priesthood at a Jesuit seminary before pursuing academia. Pete attended St. Joseph High School, a Catholic high school, further solidifying his early connection to Catholicism.
Pete Buttigieg announcing his 2020 presidential candidacy in South Bend, Indiana, highlighting his deep roots in the community.
However, Buttigieg’s religious path took a turn during his time at Oxford University, where he attended Christ Church Cathedral, an Anglican church. In a CNN interview, he later explained that by the time he returned to South Bend, he “felt more or less Anglican.” This shift marked a departure from his Catholic roots and the beginning of his embrace of the Episcopal Church, which is part of the Anglican Communion.
Upon returning to South Bend after his studies, Buttigieg began attending the Episcopal Cathedral of St. James. The Rev. Brian Grantz, the cathedral’s rector and Buttigieg’s pastor for a decade, noted that Buttigieg quietly integrated into the congregation, even during his early mayoral campaigns. Grantz believes that the Episcopal Church’s structure, with its democratic decision-making in doctrinal matters involving both bishops and deputies, might have appealed to Buttigieg. In the Episcopal Church in the United States, bishops are elected, reflecting a “bottom-up organization,” as Grantz described it.
Rev. Brian Grantz, Pete Buttigieg’s pastor, emphasizing the authenticity and faith-driven nature of the politician.
While Buttigieg is not currently Catholic, his Catholic upbringing undeniably shaped his values and worldview. Friends like Julia Chismar, who knew Buttigieg from his high school days at St. Joseph, emphasize his strong moral compass and sense of duty, qualities that resonate with core religious teachings. Both Grantz and Chismar have observed how Buttigieg’s faith informs his political stances and his understanding of justice.
Buttigieg himself has frequently referenced biblical parables, such as the Good Samaritan, to illustrate his political and ethical viewpoints, particularly on issues like caring for migrants. Rev. Grantz highlights the integration of Buttigieg’s faith into his politics, noting, “His faith informs his politics and all of it informs his actions and his priorities.” This suggests that while Buttigieg’s religious affiliation has evolved, the underlying principles instilled during his Catholic childhood continue to influence his approach to public service.
Julia Chismar, a former teacher, sharing anecdotes of Pete Buttigieg’s character and intellectual curiosity from his high school years.
In conclusion, Pete Buttigieg is not Catholic but identifies as Episcopalian. However, to simply answer “no” to the question “is Pete Buttigieg Catholic?” would be an oversimplification. His Catholic upbringing forms a significant part of his personal history and has contributed to the development of his moral and ethical framework. His journey to the Episcopal Church represents a personal evolution of faith, but the values of service, justice, and compassion, often associated with both Catholic and broader Christian teachings, remain central to his public life and political philosophy. Therefore, understanding Pete Buttigieg’s religious identity requires acknowledging both his Catholic roots and his current Episcopal affiliation.
