Catholic Dioceses Warn Against Partisan, Misleading “Catholic Tribune” Newspapers
Several Catholic dioceses in key swing states have issued warnings about newspapers called “Catholic Tribune” that are being mass-mailed to residents. These newspapers, with a traditional design and typeface, appear to be legitimate but contain inflammatory and partisan content.
Headlines in these newspapers touch on culture-war issues and provoke conservative voters by focusing on topics like “sex change surgeries on Wisconsin kids” and “Haitian illegal aliens in America.” The papers also prominently feature endorsements of former President Donald Trump and criticize Vice President Kamala Harris.
The Dioceses have clarified that these newspapers are not affiliated with the Catholic Church, despite their misleading titles. The publications, tracing back to a Chicago-based publishing network led by Brian Timpone, have been linked to peddling misinformation and receiving funding from right-wing super PACs.
The papers, referred to as “pink slime,” are part of a larger network of local news websites operated by Metric Media. By mimicking the appearance of traditional newspapers, these publications aim to hack credibility and reach older voters who may be more susceptible to their influence.
While the Catholic Church does not endorse candidates, the contents of these newspapers have raised concerns among parishioners and non-Catholics alike. The misleading nature of the publications has sparked confusion and backlash from those who have received them, leading to calls for more forceful denunciations from church leadership.
As the 2024 election cycle approaches, the distribution of these newspapers continues in swing states like Michigan and Wisconsin, prompting further scrutiny and criticism. With their mix of partisan content and deceptive appearance, these papers highlight the ongoing challenges of combating misinformation in the digital age.
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