In a rare moment of personal revelation on his Fox News program this week, Sean Hannity publicly declared that he no longer considers himself a Catholic, citing long-standing concerns over “institutionalized corruption” in the Church. The announcement came as Hannity sharply criticized Pope Leo XIV’s comments on the ongoing U.S. conflict with Iran, siding firmly with President Donald Trump.
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The Spark: Pope vs. President on War
Pope Leo XIV, the first North American-born pontiff, has repeatedly called for peace in the Middle East, stating that “God does not bless any conflict” and does not side with those who “drop bombs.” He has described global tensions as driven in part by a “delusion of omnipotence” and warned against unchecked nationalism.
Hannity, a longtime supporter of Trump, pushed back forcefully. “The president is correct. The pope is wrong on so many levels,” he said on air. He argued that the Pope’s stance on war contradicts certain biblical accounts of justified conflict in the Old Testament, referencing stories like David and Goliath. Hannity also suggested the pontiff appeared more focused on politics than scripture and volunteered himself as the ideal interviewer to question the Pope directly, citing his own 12 years of Catholic schooling and study of Latin.
Hannity’s Background and Departure from the Church
Hannity, who attended Catholic school for 12 years and once described himself as attending Mass regularly, clarified that his departure from Catholicism was not new. He stated he left “in large part because of institutionalized corruption — from the parish level, to the bishop level, all the way to Rome.” On Thursday’s show, he reiterated: “As of today, I no longer consider myself a Catholic. I am a Christian.”
Critics noted the timing, framing it as a public escalation in the broader conservative media pushback against the Pope’s criticism of U.S. policy in Iran. Supporters of Hannity viewed it as a principled stand for what he sees as biblical truth and national security against a nuclear threat from Iran.
The Pope’s Response and Catholic Leadership
Pope Leo XIV appeared unfazed. Speaking aboard a papal flight this week, he said it was “not in my interest at all” to debate Trump but affirmed he would continue preaching the Gospel message of peace. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has defended the pontiff, emphasizing that the Pope is not a political rival and pointing to the long-standing Catholic tradition of just-war theory, which sets moral criteria for when conflict may be justified.
Recent data shows resilience in the Church under Leo XIV: some U.S. archdioceses reported record numbers of new Catholics this past Easter, the highest in two decades in certain areas.
Personal Irony: Faith in the Hannity-Earhardt Household
The story carries a personal layer for Hannity. His fiancée, Fox & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt, is known for her deep Christian faith. She hosts a Bible study program on Fox Nation and has written multiple faith-based books. The couple announced their engagement on Christmas Day 2024 at their church, stating they originally bonded over shared faith and that “God comes first” in their relationship. They have said they plan to maintain separate residences in different states even after marriage.
Whether Earhardt shares Hannity’s views on the Pope or his departure from Catholicism remains private. The contrast—Hannity’s very public break versus Earhardt’s prominent role in Christian media—has drawn quiet commentary online.
Broader Context: Catholic Voters and Politics
Trump’s support among Catholic voters has reportedly dipped below 50% amid the Iran conflict, according to some polling cited in recent coverage. Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic exhortation in April 2026 condemned rising nationalism and what he called the “idolatry of sovereignty,” comments some interpreted as touching on immigration and foreign policy debates.
Hannity’s on-air remarks have intensified discussions within conservative circles, with some praising his willingness to challenge religious leadership and others questioning the optics of a high-profile figure publicly resigning from the faith over a policy disagreement.
Bottom Line
What began as a foreign policy dispute between the White House and the Vatican has pulled in one of cable news’ biggest voices, resulting in Hannity’s explicit rejection of his Catholic identity on live television. The Pope continues his calls for peace without engaging in direct debate. For now, the “holy war” remains mostly rhetorical—but it highlights deepening tensions between certain strands of American conservatism and the global Catholic Church.
Sources include reporting from HuffPost, The Daily Beast, Fox News, Yahoo, The Christian Post, and others. This column reflects public statements and available coverage as of April 19, 2026.
