Raymond Leo Burke

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Stored: Raymond Leo Burke

His Eminence Raymond Leo Burke
Bishop of College of Cardinals
Home diocese: Archdiocese of St. Louis
Other diocese 1: Diocese of La Crosse
Other diocese 2: Apostolic Signatura
Other diocese 3: Order of Malta
Ordination: 29 June 1975 by Pope Paul VI
Consecration: 29 January 1995 by Pope John Paul II
Rank: Cardinal
Created cardinal: 20 November 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI
Personal details
Born: Raymond Leo Burke
30 June 1948
Richland Center, Wisconsin, United States
Died:
Nationality: United States
Education: Pontifical Gregorian University
Motto: "Secundum Cor Tuum"
Role: Emeritus
Theology: Conservative
Region: North America
Rite: Roman Rite
Conclave Eligibility: Eligible


Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke, born (1948-06-30) June 30, 1948 (age 77), is an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church, known for his ultraconservative theology and leadership in traditionalist movements, reflected in his motto "Secundum Cor Tuum" ("According to Your Heart"). Ordained a priest in 1975 for the Diocese of La Crosse and consecrated a bishop in 1995, he served as Bishop of La Crosse (1994–2003), Archbishop of St. Louis (2003–2008), Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura (2008–2014), and Patron of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (2014–2023). Elevated to cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010, he participated in the 2013 conclave that elected Pope Francis.[1] At age 76, Burke is eligible for the 2025 conclave following Francis’ death on April 21, 2025, as one of eight U.S. electors among 135 cardinals, with the conclave set to begin May 7, 2025.[2][3][4]

Burke’s vocal opposition to Francis’ progressive reforms, including same-sex blessings and synodality, and his critiques of immigration and vaccine mandates have made him a conservative icon, with some support for his papal candidacy among traditionalists, reportedly backed by figures like Donald Trump.[1][4][5] However, his divisive rhetoric and removal from key Vatican posts by Francis limit his broader appeal, with sources noting an American pope as unlikely due to geopolitical concerns.[6][7] His canon law expertise from the Pontifical Gregorian University and membership in the Apostolic Signatura bolster his influence.[8] As an emeritus cardinal, Burke’s role in the 2025 conclave is significant, but his polarizing conservatism and the progressive majority among electors reduce his papal prospects.[2][1]

Biography

Birth and early life

Raymond Leo Burke was born on June 30, 1948, in Richland Center, Wisconsin, to a Catholic family of Irish descent. Raised in a rural, faith-centered community, his vocation was inspired by the Church’s role in American life, leading him to enter the Holy Cross Seminary in La Crosse at age 14. His mother’s survival of a serious illness during pregnancy, rejecting abortion, shaped his pro-life stance.[9][10]

The U.S. Church’s post-Vatican II debates influenced Burke’s traditionalist leanings. Fluent in English, Latin, and Italian, his intellectual aptitude foreshadowed his canon law career.[1]

Education

Burke studied philosophy at the Catholic University of America and theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome (1971–1975), earning a licentiate and doctorate in canon law. He also trained at the Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy for Vatican diplomacy.

His education emphasized ecclesiastical law and tradition, equipping him to defend doctrinal orthodoxy. Burke’s academic rigor positioned him as a leading canonist.[1][11]

Priesthood

Ordained a priest on June 29, 1975, by Pope Paul VI for the Diocese of La Crosse, Burke served as a parish priest and taught at Aquinas High School (1975–1980). He was a canon law professor in Rome (1980–1984) and assistant rector at the Pontifical North American College.

His priesthood focused on canonical scholarship and catechesis, navigating U.S. cultural shifts. Burke’s expertise and Vatican ties earned him episcopal appointment.[9][1]

Bishop

Consecrated Bishop of La Crosse on January 29, 1995, by Pope John Paul II, Burke served until 2003, promoting traditional liturgy. He was Archbishop of St. Louis (2003–2008), Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura (2008–2014), and Patron of the Order of Malta (2014–2023). Elevated to cardinal in 2010 with the title Cardinal-Deacon of Sant’Agata de’ Goti, he participated in the 2013 conclave.

Burke’s conservative advocacy, including opposition to same-sex blessings and immigration, has drawn support but also criticism for divisiveness, with his Vatican roles reduced by Francis.[1][7][5] Eligible for the 2025 conclave at age 76, he is a conservative influencer, though not a frontrunner.[2][6][4][12]

Diocese Role Start Date End Date Notes
Diocese of La Crosse Bishop 29 January 1995 2 December 2003 Promoted traditional liturgy
Archdiocese of St. Louis Archbishop 2 December 2003 27 June 2008 Strengthened orthodoxy
Apostolic Signatura Prefect 27 June 2008 8 November 2014 Led Vatican’s high court
Order of Malta Patron 8 November 2014 19 June 2023 Supported traditionalist causes

Significant events

  • Entered Holy Cross Seminary in 1962.
  • Ordained priest for the Diocese of La Crosse in 1975.
  • Consecrated Bishop of La Crosse in 1995.
  • Appointed Archbishop of St. Louis in 2003.
  • Appointed Prefect of the Apostolic Signatura in 2008.
  • Elevated to cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.
  • Participated in the 2013 conclave.
  • Appointed Patron of the Order of Malta in 2014.
  • Removed as Patron of the Order of Malta in 2023.
  • Confirmed eligible for the 2025 conclave.

Books

Written about the bishop

  • No known books specifically about Cardinal Burke.

Written by the bishop

External links

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 "Biography of Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke". Vatican Press Office. 2025-04-24. https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/documentation/cardinals_biographies/cardinal_burke.html.  Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name "Web14" defined multiple times with different content
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "18 African among Cardinals to elect new Pope". Nigerian Observer. 2025-04-24. https://nigerianobservernews.com/2025/04/18-african-among-cardinals-to-elect-new-pope/. 
  3. ↑ "Conclave to elect new pope to start on May 7 -Vatican source". Reuters. 2025-04-28. https://www.reuters.com/world/conclave-elect-new-pope-start-may-7-vatican-source-2025-04-28/. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "Raymond Burke". agusantonetti. 2025-04-21. https://t.co/v9zEIXKkTw. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "American Cardinal Raymond Burke". realMaalouf. 2025-04-21. https://t.co/QrBhghSC24. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Cardinals with Wisconsin ties emerge as potential successors to Pope Francis". WISN. 2025-04-21. https://www.wisn.com/article/cardinals-wisconsin-ties-successors-pope-francis/60641809. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Raymond Leo Burke". JaimeRuix. 2025-04-21. https://t.co/4E1SVp4DRL. 
  8. ↑ "A fact near everyone is missing". jdflynn. 2023-12-01. https://t.co/bhyyUn6M0d. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. 2025-04-24. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bburke.html. 
  10. ↑ "American Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke". Sachinettiyil. 2025-04-22. https://t.co/dsWLao4bQz. 
  11. ↑ "Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke". Catholic News Agency. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resource/55624/cardinal-raymond-burke. 
  12. ↑ "Cardinal Burke created". Vatican News. 2010-11-20. https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2010-11/cardinal-burke-created.html. 
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