Grace Thompson
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich's conversion to Catholicism came in 2009, marking the end of a decade-long journey to the Catholic Church. Gingrich, a former Southern Baptist, was influenced by his wife Callista, a lifelong Catholic, and the pair would attend Mass together on their travels. Gingrich has cited the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to the United States in 2008 as a turning point in his faith, and he officially joined the Catholic Communion on March 29, 2009.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of conversion | 29 March 2009 |
| Reason for conversion | Inspired by Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the United States in April 2008 |
| Wife's influence | Callista Gingrich, a lifelong Catholic |
| Wife's choir | Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. |
| Wife's choir invitation | Choir was invited to sing in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome in 2005 |
| Previous religion | Southern Baptist |
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What You'll Learn
Pope Benedict XVI's influence
Newt Gingrich, a former congressman from Georgia and speaker of the House of Representatives from 1994 to 1999, converted to Catholicism in 2009. He was inspired to do so by Pope Benedict XVI, who visited the United States in April 2008.
Gingrich, a lifelong Southern Baptist, had been gradually moving towards Catholicism for several years, influenced by his third wife, Callista, a devout Catholic and member of the choir at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. After their marriage in 2000, Gingrich began attending Mass regularly to watch his wife perform. He also accompanied her to Rome in 2005 when her choir was invited to sing at St. Peter's Basilica.
However, it was Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the United States in 2008 that proved to be a turning point for Gingrich. Callista's choir was asked to sing for the Pope at vespers, and Gingrich, as her spouse, had the opportunity to attend. He was deeply moved by the occasion and later wrote, "I was struck by the happiness and peacefulness [the Pope] exuded. The joyful and radiating presence of the Holy Father was a moment of confirmation about the many things I had been thinking and experiencing for several years."
Gingrich began studying the Catechism of the Church under the tutelage of Msgr. Rossi, the rector at the Basilica, and was received into the Catholic Church in March 2009 through baptism at St. Joseph's on Capitol Hill.
In addition to the Pope's presence and influence, Gingrich also cited the universality of the Catholic faith and the richness of its history and tradition as factors that attracted him to Catholicism. He also developed a friendship with Msgr. Rossi, whose conversations about history and faith he found enlightening and intriguing. Gingrich also read several books that influenced his decision, including George Weigel's "Final Revolution" and Pope Benedict XVI's "Jesus of Nazareth".
Thus, while Gingrich's journey to Catholicism was influenced by multiple factors, including his wife and his own spiritual seeking, Pope Benedict XVI's influence was a significant turning point that led him to formally embrace the Catholic faith.
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His wife Callista's faith
Newt Gingrich's wife, Callista Gingrich, is a devout Catholic and was a member of the choir at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. She has been a member of the choir for 15 years and is a lifelong Catholic.
Callista's faith has had a significant influence on Gingrich's own religious journey. He has stated that he gradually became Catholic over several years and that Callista's faith and participation in the choir created an environment that allowed him to explore and embrace Catholicism. Gingrich's conversion was also influenced by Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the United States in 2008, during which Callista's choir performed for the Pope.
Callista's Catholic faith has been a notable aspect of her public life. She has co-authored religious-themed books, such as "Rediscovering God in America" with her husband, and has served as the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See since 2017. In this role, she has focused on advancing religious freedom and combating human trafficking.
Callista's personal life, including her relationship with Gingrich before they were married, has drawn some criticism, particularly from conservative groups. However, her faith and religious commitment have been recognised through honours such as being appointed Dame Grand Cross of the Order of Pius IX by Pope Francis in 2020.
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Gradual spiritual journey
Newt Gingrich's journey to Catholicism was a gradual process that took place over several years. While he was born into a Lutheran family, Gingrich became a Southern Baptist in graduate school and remained Baptist for most of his life and political career.
Gingrich's journey towards Catholicism was influenced by his wife, Callista, a lifelong Catholic and member of the choir at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. Despite his Baptist faith, Gingrich regularly attended Mass with Callista, accompanying her to Rome in 2005 when her choir was invited to sing at St. Peter's Basilica.
Gingrich also noted the influence of theologian George Weigel and Pope Benedict XVI. In April 2008, Pope Benedict XVI's visit to the United States was a turning point for Gingrich. He was deeply moved by the Pope's presence and message of "Christ our Hope," which resonated with his own thoughts and experiences.
Gingrich formally converted to Catholicism in 2009, after a period of instruction in the Catechism under the tutelage of Msgr. Rossi. His conversion was a considered decision to join a theological and intellectual tradition, rather than an emotional, born-again experience. Gingrich's spiritual journey was a process of exploration and reflection, during which he gradually embraced the Catholic faith that surrounded him.
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Catholic mass in Beijing
Former congressman from Georgia and speaker of the House of Representatives from 1994 to 1999, Newt Gingrich, officially became a Catholic in 2009. However, he had been gradually embracing the faith for several years before that.
In Beijing, China's capital, there is a rich history of Catholic worship, with the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception being the oldest Catholic church in the city, dating back to 1605. The current Baroque-style building was constructed in 1904 and is known colloquially as the Xuanwumen church or Nantang (South Church) to locals. It is located in the Xicheng District, near Beijing Financial Street. This cathedral has been a target of vandalism during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900 and was razed to the ground. The current structure is the fourth church on the site. On its upper middle front facade, the coat of arms of Pope Pius X, a symbol of the cross, and a letter M representing Christ and the Virgin Mary can be seen.
The cathedral holds English-language masses, which are popular among foreigners in China. However, it has been closed for renovation since December 2018, and the English Mass has been temporarily held in the North Church at 2 pm.
Another notable Catholic church in Beijing is St. Joseph's Church, also known as Dongtang Cathedral (East Cathedral) or Wangfujing Church. It is located on Wangfujing Street, a popular commercial area. This church is known for its unique fusion of European and Chinese styles, featuring pilasters and three bell towers. It offers English Mass on Sundays at 4 pm, catering mainly to expatriates but welcoming all attendees.
Newt Gingrich mentions attending Mass in Beijing with his wife, Callista, where they listened to "Amazing Grace" being sung in Chinese. This experience opened his eyes to the diversity and richness of the Catholic Church, contributing to his spiritual journey towards Catholicism.
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Converting to Catholicism in 2009
Newt Gingrich, a former congressman from Georgia and speaker of the House of Representatives from 1994 to 1999, converted to Catholicism in 2009. He was born in 1943 into a Lutheran family and practised the Lutheran faith until graduate school, after which he became a Southern Baptist. He remained Baptist for most of his life and political career.
Gingrich has described his conversion as a gradual process. He said: "It would be more accurate to say that I gradually became Catholic and then realized one day that I should accept the faith that surrounded me." He also noted that the depth of faith and history contained in the Catholic Church became increasingly apparent to him over time.
Gingrich's conversion was influenced by several factors, including the spiritual influence of his wife, Callista, who is a lifelong Catholic and a member of the choir at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. He often attended Mass with her and accompanied her to Rome in 2005 when her choir was invited to sing at St. Peter's Basilica.
Another key influence was Pope Benedict XVI, whose visit to the United States in April 2008 was a turning point for Gingrich. He was deeply moved by the Pope's presence and message, which helped confirm his thoughts and experiences. Gingrich was also struck by the universality of the Catholic faith, as he experienced the diversity and richness of the Church during his travels with his wife, who was adamant about attending local Mass on Sundays.
In March 2009, Gingrich was received into the Catholic Church at St. Joseph's on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. His conversion was celebrated by a group of Catholic luminaries, including Washington Archbishop Donald Wuerl and Cardinal Theodore McCarrick. Gingrich's decision to embrace Catholicism was seen as a significant shift, especially given his previous reputation for a lack of interest in religious issues among social conservatives.
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Frequently asked questions
Newt Gingrich decided to officially become a Catholic in 2008 when he saw Pope Benedict XVI during the Pope's visit to the United States.
Newt Gingrich formally converted to Catholicism in 2009.
Newt Gingrich was a Southern Baptist before he converted to Catholicism.
Yes, Newt Gingrich's wife, Callista, a lifelong Catholic, influenced his conversion to Catholicism. Gingrich often attended Mass with Callista and listened to her sing in the choir.
Yes, Newt Gingrich gradually became Catholic over a decade. He then decided to officially accept the faith.
