RIGHT-CENTER BIAS
These media sources are slight to moderately conservative in bias. They often publish factual information that utilizes loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by appealing to emotion or stereotypes) to favor conservative causes. These sources are generally trustworthy for information but may require further investigation. See all Right-Center sources.
- Overall, we rate The Pillar as Right-Center Biased due to its editorial focus on conservative aspects of Catholic doctrine and governance. We rate its reporting as Mostly Factual, acknowledging its investigative efforts while noting the occasional use of poor sources.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: RIGHT-CENTER (4.8)
Factual Reporting: MOSTLY FACTUAL (3.0)
Country: USA
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: MOSTLY FREE
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
The Pillar is a website that offers news and investigative reporting focused on the Catholic Church. Founded in 2021 by J.D. Flynn and Ed Condon, the site aims to provide in-depth coverage of issues relevant to the Catholic community, including Vatican affairs.
Read our profile on the United States media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
The Pillar is funded through subscriptions on Substack and does not display ads. It is co-founded and operated by JD Flynn and Ed Condon.
Analysis / Bias
The Pillar is rated Right-Center Biased for its editorial stance, which leans toward conservative perspectives within the Catholic context. The publication focuses on traditional Catholic teachings and frequently presents issues through a religious defense framework.
For example, “Cecot and the Church in El Salvador” presents the Salvadoran government’s actions as targeting the Church, highlighting tensions over mining policy and gang crackdowns. The author has a critical tone and suggests that the government is unfriendly toward clergy and faith-based organizations. While the article highlights Church opposition to industrial mining, it downplays Bukele’s (the current president of El Salvador) counterargument that clergy remained silent on gang violence, aligning with The Pillar’s broader perspective of defending the Church against state power.
Similarly, “Poland sees 90% drop in legal abortions” frames the abortion ban as a significant legal and cultural shift. While the article presents facts, it selectively emphasizes Poland’s Catholic heritage and legal justifications, primarily featuring voices that support the ruling. Quotes from a Catholic professor stress the importance of moral education and the Church’s role in shaping public attitudes, reinforcing The Pillar’s alignment with Catholic doctrine on life issues.
Regarding sourcing, The Pillar frequently references Catholic institutions and conservative-leaning sources, such as the Vatican’s official documents, Vatican Radio/News, Poland’s John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin (KUL), and TVP Info, a Polish state-run news outlet known for favoring the ruling Law and Justice Party (TVP Info). These sources support The Pillar’s Catholic and socially conservative framing while limiting opposing perspectives.
Both articles illustrate The Pillar’s tendency to present legal and political issues through a Catholic moral framework, focusing on the role of faith in shaping public policy while downplaying opposing perspectives.
Additionally, The Pillar takes a skeptical stance toward Pope Francis, frequently analyzing his decisions and statements with a questioning tone. Headlines such as “What should Pope Francis have said?”, “Pope Francis stirs controversy with interreligious remarks” and “Why is Pope Francis embracing the patriarchy (of the West)?” suggest concern over his approach to doctrinal and political issues. While not overtly hostile, this scrutiny reflects The Pillar’s alignment with more traditionalist and conservative Catholic viewpoints, particularly in contrast to Pope Francis’ progressive stances.
Failed Fact Checks
- None in the Last 5 years
Overall, we rate The Pillar as Right-Center Biased due to its editorial focus on conservative aspects of Catholic doctrine and governance. We rate its reporting as Mostly Factual, acknowledging its investigative efforts while noting the occasional use of poor sources. (M. Huitsing 03/15/2025)
Source: https://www.pillarcatholic.com/
Last Updated on March 15, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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