Jack White (priest)

Jack White (1907-1997) was an Irish Roman Catholic priest and social activist. He is primarily known for his fervent anti-communist stance and his involvement in controversial events during the Spanish Civil War.

White was ordained as a priest in 1931. His staunch anti-communism became a defining characteristic of his public persona. He believed that communism posed a significant threat to the Catholic Church and to Ireland itself.

During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), White traveled to Spain and became associated with General Francisco Franco's Nationalist forces. He actively campaigned for support for Franco in Ireland, arguing that the Nationalist cause was defending Catholicism against the perceived communist threat of the Republican side. His activities and pronouncements during this period were highly controversial, and he was criticized by those who supported the Republican government or who believed that the Church should not be aligned with a political faction.

After the Spanish Civil War, White continued his ministry in Ireland. He remained a vocal critic of communism throughout his life and frequently spoke out on social and political issues. His legacy remains complex and contested, with some viewing him as a staunch defender of the Catholic faith and others criticizing his association with Franco's regime and his divisive rhetoric.