Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Dec 8, 2025 / 18:09 pm
President Donald Trump honored the feast of the Immaculate Conception on Dec. 8, which appears to be the first time an American president formally recognized the Catholic holy day.
The presidential statement recognized the role Mary played in the salvation of humanity and the importance she has in American history. The statement does, however, contain one theological error about the Incarnation. It says God became man when Christ was born, although Catholic doctrine recognizes God becoming man at the Incarnation: when Mary conceived him.
“Today, I recognize every American celebrating Dec. 8 as a holy day honoring the faith, humility, and love of Mary, mother of Jesus and one of the greatest figures in the Bible,” the statement said. Trump, who is not Catholic and describes himself as a “non-denominational Christian,” has forged strong bonds with a broad range of Christians and referenced religious holidays and symbols in ways that resonate with supporters.
CNA could not find similar proclamations on the Immaculate Conception from other presidents, including none from the only two Catholic presidents: John F. Kennedy and Joe Biden. Other presidents have spoken about Mary and the Immaculate Conception, sometimes in messages relating to Christmas or other topics, but not in a formal recognition of this feast.
“On the feast of the Immaculate Conception, Catholics celebrate what they believe to be Mary’s freedom from original sin as the mother of God,” the statement read.
The feast day celebrates the miracle in which Mary was conceived without the stain of original sin. Every person — with the exception of Mary and Jesus Christ — receives the hereditary stain of original sin, which was brought onto humanity through the first sin of Adam and Eve when they disobeyed God by eating fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
Mary’s importance to humanity and the United States
The presidential statement said Mary’s agreement at the Annunciation to conceive and bear the child Christ was “one of the most profound and consequential acts of history,” and Mary “heroically accepted God’s will with trust and humility.”
It cites Luke 1:38: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”
“Mary’s decision forever altered the course of humanity,” the statement read, adding that Christ “would go on to offer his life on the Cross for the redemption of sins and the salvation of the world.”
President Trump’s statement also describes the annunciation by the archangel Gabriel, who calls the Blessed Mother “favored one” and tells her “you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.”
Later in the document, the presidential message says “we remember the sacred words that have brought aid, comfort, and support to generations of American believers in times of need,” and includes the text of the Hail Mary.
Trump’s statement also acknowledges the “distinct role” Mary has played “in our great American story.”
The president’s statement also specifically references Bishop John Carroll’s consecration of the United States to the Blessed Mother. Carroll was the only Catholic to sign the Declaration of Independence. In addition, the statement references the annual Mass of Thanksgiving in New Orleans on Jan. 8, in which Catholics celebrate Mary’s perceived assistance to U.S. troops under the command of General Andrew Jackson in winning the Battle of New Orleans.
The message notes that “American legends” including St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, and Venerable Fulton Sheen “held a deep devotion to Mary” and that many American churches, hospitals, universities, and schools bear her name. It adds that many Americans will also celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe on Dec. 12.
“As we approach 250 years of glorious American independence, we acknowledge and give thanks, with total gratitude, for Mary’s role in advancing peace, hope, and love in America and beyond our shores,” the presidential message reads.
The presidential message also recognizes Pope Benedict XV dedicating a statue of Mary, Queen of Peace, to encourage Christians “to look to her example of peace by praying for a stop to the horrific slaughter” occurring in World War I, which then ended just a few months later.
“Today, we look to Mary once again for inspiration and encouragement as we pray for an end to war and for a new and lasting era of peace, prosperity, and harmony in Europe and throughout the world,” Trump’s statement added.
Catholics react to Trump’s message
Chad Pecknold, a political science professor at The Catholic University of America, said he welcomed the president’s recognition of the feast day.
“The more America publicly honors Christian feast days such as Christmas, Good Friday, and Easter, and the more we remember our greatest saints, as well as our national heroes, the better oriented our nation will be to God,” he said. “This is the spiritual key to raising up the Res Americana for the next 250 years.”
Susan Hanssen, a history professor at the University of Dallas (a Catholic institution), called the presidential message “a jaw-droppingly historic event.” For a president to celebrate Mary as “full of grace” and celebrate “the centrality of the Incarnation,” she said “goes beyond anything that Americans have ever heard in presidential public speeches.”
“This pronouncement, along with the first American pope in world history, marks a watershed moment in American cultural history,” Hanssen said.
Caleb Henry, a political science professor at Franciscan University, told CNA Trump’s message appears to be an extension of the president’s America Prays campaign, which asks Americans to pray for the country ahead of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence next year.
Henry said the initiative seeks to “reconnect America’s people of faith with … the signing of the Declaration of Independence.” He said the Immaculate Conception statement appears to be “a message to America’s Catholic faithful,” that the country’s history “while complicated, is rooted in these truths of natural law, laws of nature, and of nature’s God.”
“We have a Marian tradition here in our country as well,” he said.
The statement comes as the nation’s Catholic bishops have welcomed some of Trump’s policies, such as regarding gender ideology. Bishops also have expressed dismay about indiscriminate immigration enforcement and a plan to expand in vitro fertilization (IVF).
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a unified special pastoral message against “indiscriminate mass deportations” on Nov. 12.
Henry said a message like the one issued on the Immaculate Conception is “a typical Trump move” by “ignoring all existing hierarchies and going straight to the people.”
Theological error in the message
The statement contains a theological error. After discussing the Annunciation, the message states “nine months later, God became man when Mary gave birth to a son, Jesus.”
Christ became man at the moment of the Incarnation, when Mary conceived him, not when he was born.
Father Aquinas Guilbeau, OP, told CNA that although early councils clarified this teaching, the misunderstanding “endures today.” He said: “Even among Christians, sadly. It remains a favorite of poets.”
He noted that even in “Silent Night,” the verse that says “Jesus, Lord, at thy birth” falls into this error because: “Jesus is Lord before his birth. He is Lord at his conception.”
“Wherever it appears, the error may be pious and well-intentioned but it remains theologically inaccurate,” Guilbeau said.
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This is a big deal.
How many American protestants actually read the Hail Mary prayer today because of this?
USCCB, throw the President a bone for once!
He also wished Our Lady a Happy Birthday on his twitter in September.
And the official Easter message was amazing to read. It went into great theological detail. Read it.
This rings a little hollow so soon after he referred to a group of people, identifying them solely by ethnicity, as “garbage.”
The remark was prompted by the massive criminal activity and documented support for international terrorism by the Somali community. Context matters.
He did not distinguish among Somalis when he said they were garbage.
I find it striking that many people who try to defend what Trump says apparently feel the need to distort what he says.
ALBERT ALIOTO: Severe and unremitting case of TDS here!
I did not distort what Trump said. You did, by leaving out the context to which he was referring.
I find it striking that many people who try to attack what Trump says apparently feel the need to distort what he says.
I very much appreciate this from Pres. Trump.
I’m stunned, actually.
A few people, including one or two Catholics, will be brushing up on the dogma of the Immaculate Conception (not to be confused with the Virgin birth).
Whoever authored this piece (we’d like particular names when we get stuff from CNA) writes: “The statement does, however, contain one theological error about the Incarnation. It says God became man when Christ was born, although Catholic doctrine recognizes God becoming man at the Incarnation: when Mary conceived him.”
Correction to the correction: President Trump believes that life begins at conception. Those of us who are pro-life know that life begins at conception and not nine months later. Our human birth i.e. when we are born begins at conception. When our human life inside the womb end and our human life outside the womb begin is not when we are born. We happened to have been “born” nine months before exiting the womb. There is no error in the President’s statement.
Lord at thy Birth does not exclude Lord at conception.
Trump is not especially religious, especially on Marian issues. You wonder who is behind this? Melania, who is Catholic perhaps?
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2025/12/presidential-message-on-the-feast-of-the-immaculate-conception/ Here, don’t filter through the biased opinions of so-called scholars in Catholic Colleges. We Catholics lost the higher education battle in 1969. Read his own words.
This may not be the forum for a question but I can’t find the answer in searching. Our deacon’s homily yesterday mentioned several times that we are “born in original sin.” I thought, just as Mary was conceived without sin that we are conceived in sin, then, of course, born in sin. First, I want to be sure we are conceived in sin then, question the status of the child that is miscarried or, God forbid, aborted. Thanks.
We don’t have the all the answers but we leave those little children to God’s Mercy. He will take care of them & we can trust in that.
Thanks.
You are welcome.
🙂
Agree this remarkable a very big deal. No other President, as ever, been so Catholic. President Trump is the most non catholic, Catholic President in US History. The 2 previous Catholic Presidents, would have never made a public statement like this, being afraid of upsetting their “progressive” constituency.
It is too bad that way too many Bishops despise President Trump, blinding them to the important work he is doing.
President Trump also stepped up to defend the Little Sisters of the Poor when Joe Biden attempted to force them to include payments for abortion in their employee health care plan. President Trump prevented them from doing that and the Little Sisters expressed their gratitude.
I know a lot of TDS Catholics who will likely cease all reverence for the Immaculate Conception because of Trump’s remarks. That is how bad this illness really is.
TJW: No doubt the TDS Catholics will leave the Church for Unitarian Protestantism now that the President weighed in on the Immaculate Conception of Mary.
Yes, Deacon Edward, the Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS) among some Catholics blinds them to the actions of this president, the President most helpful to Christians in general and Catholics in particular. See some other instances of his pro-Catholic actions, not just words:
a) “Among the many executive orders signed by President Donald Trump in the first weeks of his new administration is one that frees up federal funding in support of school choice. This is great news for many parents and a much-needed pushback against public schools’ virtual monopoly over our nation’s education system.” https://ewtn.co.uk/article-why-president-trumps-executive-order-on-school-choice-is-great-news/
b) Upon Cardinal Dolan’s call for help, DT raised millions that saved the NY Catholic schools
“Fundraising for Catholic Schools
Overview of Trump’s Efforts
Former President Donald Trump has actively supported Catholic schools, particularly during his presidency. He raised significant funds for Catholic education, especially in New York, to help address financial challenges faced by these institutions.
Key Fundraising Events
Catholic Fundraiser: Trump participated in a fundraiser for the Archdiocese of New York, where he made a direct appeal for the Catholic vote and emphasized the importance of supporting Catholic schools.
• Support During the Pandemic: Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Trump expressed his commitment to providing federal financial support for Catholic schools, which were experiencing severe financial stress due to decreased enrollment and tuition payments.
Impact of Fundraising
• Financial Aid: The funds raised have been crucial in stabilizing Catholic schools, allowing them to continue serving students, particularly those from low-income backgrunds.
Educational Justice: Catholic leaders have highlighted that supporting these schools is not just a religious issue but also a matter of educational justice, as they provide quality education at a lower cost compared to public schools.
Trump’s fundraising efforts have played a significant role in sustaining Catholic education in New York and beyond, ensuring that these schools can continue to operate and serve their communities effectively.”
c) One example of DT mercy is that eventually he changed his mind about “locking her up” and he has said repeatedly that Hillary Clinton had been through enough and he was not going to prosecute her:
“President-elect Donald Trump indicated he would not pursue charges against Hillary Clinton, with a source close to his transition team stating that Trump felt Clinton had “been through enough” and would not go after her officially over her email scandal. Trump also expressed that he didn’t want to hurt the Clintons, calling them “good people,” and said he was not looking to revisit the issue. While he had previously vowed during the 2016 campaign to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate Clinton’s use of a private email server, his senior adviser Kellyanne Conway confirmed in November 2016 that Trump “doesn’t wish to pursue charges” against her.” See
https://nypost.com/2016/11/23/why-trump-isnt-pursuing-charges-against-hillary-clinton/
d) Many consider DT crackdown on illegal immigration not “compassionate,” during his first term, he actually allowed the illegals covered by Obama’s DACA to remain in the country despite the justifiable efforts by many conservatives to deport all those who had violated the laws of this country by entering illegally or by being brought in illegally. Cf. what the Vatican does with those entering ITS premises illegally:
Vatican Promises Stiff Penalties for Illegal Aliens Crossing its Border
https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2025/01/16/vatican-promises-stiff-penalties-for-illegal-aliens-crossing-its-border/
Oscar: Thank you for doing the homework on this. It will assuredly prove edifying to those progressive Çatholics here who suffer with TDS.
TDS is a real obsession. I have an old friend who instead of sending best wishes for the season composed an anti Trump rant on her Christmas card.
It’s a shame.
Your report contains the error that John Carroll signed the Declaration of Independence. His cousin Charles did that signing.
If this is from the President it is a good start. Let’s pray that the walk follows the talk.
What’s the big deal? Why treat this as if it were magisterial teaching dictated by the Pope himself? Anyone paying attention can see it’s the handiwork of one of the MAGA Catholic chaplains—Cardinal Dolan or Bishop Barron—both eager to sanctify politics with holy water. Honestly, could anything like this spring from the mind or mouth of Trump? Since when did he become a Marian devotee? When did the man who mistakes narcissism for virtue start kneeling before the Virgin?
Why do people keep believing the unbelievable? A heathen calls himself a Christian, and they nod along. A draft-dodger wraps himself in a flag, and they salute. A cheater swears he’s honest, and they cheer. A man who can’t spell “genius” insists he is one, and they applaud. He drowns in debt yet boasts of riches. He flees from decency yet calls himself brave. He lies with every breath and still demands to be believed.
This isn’t faith—it’s a cult of contradiction, a congregation built on denial. Trump hasn’t performed a miracle; he’s just convinced millions to mistake darkness for divine light.
Really Deacon??? I will take Donald Trump over supposedly “devout” Catholic Biden any time. Waving his Rosary around didnt make “third trimester Joe” a good Catholic in any sense of the word. It was beyond terrible how the last Pope said NOTHING to him on that score. You obviously think Trump is an awful person. Thats more a reflection of your own bias than of reality. Nor do contrived and fake legal charges carry weight with most of us. We can see whats in front of our own eyes. Trump has mentioned God and religion for quite some time. Perhaps he brush with death accelerated his thoughts about God. The importance of this is NOT that we think he is becoming Catholic. Its because he is unafraid to mention God in Secular situations, which is a refreshing throwback to the days of the Founding Fathers. Somehow in our recent past it is clear that tolerance and freedom of religion became intolerance and freedom FROM religion. Trump is unafraid to speak his mind. He mentions God and we like it. A lot of us prefer it to the pats on the head and outright lies we get from most politicians. Is he perfect, is he a candidate for sainthood? No, and I will wager none of us posting here are candidates either. Take the good where you find it. And the rest of us should be grateful not to have our small errors, sins and occasional intemperate actions broadcast all over the world by a lying and hostile press. All while they refuse to report any of the good he has done. Its corrosive to the soul of the nation. If he COULD run for a third term he would have my vote.
I’m pretty sure Bishop Barron would have got the theological points 100%, Deacon Dom.
Why assume a conspiracy?
If President Trump was inspired to send this message out, good for him.
Perhaps you aren’t aware that President Trump blocked the Biden administration’s attempt to force the Little Sisters of the Poor to include payments for abortion in their employee health care plans. President Trump is not perfect, nor are we, but he has done more to help the Catholic church, America and Americans than any previous President.
“Why do people keep believing the unbelievable?”
People who read your posts wonder the same thing about you actually. And I’m sure that the irony of accusing others of being lost in darkness escapes you 🙄
This is a reverent, noble and much appreciated gesture gifted to us by President Trump. We need acknowledge with respect this recognition of this mystery of the Faith and not dismiss it as simple matter of protocol…or even pandering. “… for whoever is not against us is for us.” Mark 9:40
I am unaware of his Roman Catholic Rosary toting predecessor ever calling to our national conscience the patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary and her Immaculate Conception.
I’d be curious to know who authored this statement. Both the exposition and the exegesis are FAR beyond Trump’s intellectual capabilities. I give him full credit for putting his name to it but someone else clearly conceived (so to speak) of the idea and orchestrated it; I doubt sincerely Trump ever thinks or care much about issues this profound.
Presidents seldom compose any text or speech they pesent to the public. At least Trump cares enough to surround himself with good people, as opposed to the perverted rabble that inhabited the last White House.
Oh please. Trump goes out of his way to repel and destroy good people because anyone with any intelligence or ability will disagree with him often and is a threat to him.
Oh, it’s Deacon Dom, the progressive deacon with TDS again. Pray for him.
President’s wife Melania is deeply devoted to Blessed Mary. I think she has influenced President Trump in his statements and expressions on Blessed Mary. God bless Melania.
Credit where credit is due. The statement was released on his authority (whether he wrote it or not.)
I did not vote for this guy in the last election (I could not stomach his greenlighting of the massacre in Gaza), but I applaud him for this.
But there was no massacre in Gaza, so you were sadly misinformed.
Replying to TimothyJ Williams: You made kit sounds as though Trump was talking about criminals and terrorist-supporters. he did not say that. You added that. It is a distortion of what he said.
As if there is any context in which it would be proper for a president to call people garbage. Sure.
He was SPECIFICALLY commenting on the corruption scandal in the Somali community in Minnesota, the major component of which was smuggling millions of dollars to terrorist organizations, and you know it, so stop lying.
Replying to DiogenesRedux: The use of the term TDS implies that one has to be deranged to have reservations about a president. The idea of saying that political differences are a result of derangement, or any kind of mental disfunction, originated with Yuri Andropov’s treatment of Soviet dissident when he was head of the KGB. That’s quite a role model you are following.
Your doubts aren’t facts but you are certainly welcome to express your opinion.