From Extremism to Faith: Former ‘Unite the Right’ Figure Details Conversion to Catholicism
Peter Cytanovic, once widely recognized as a face of the 2017 “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, has publicly shared his journey away from white nationalism and towards Catholicism. In a recently published essay for Crisis Magazine, Cytanovic, now 29 and a doctoral candidate, details a path marked by disillusionment with extremist ideologies and a profound spiritual awakening. The story offers a rare glimpse into the personal transformation of someone once deeply embedded in the far-right movement and raises questions about the forces that draw individuals to extremism and the potential for redemption.
The image of a young Cytanovic shouting during the torch-lit march in Charlottesville became a potent symbol of the rally and the resurgence of white supremacist activity in the United States. He acknowledges the weight of that image, stating it has “become part of the visual shorthand for white supremacy in contemporary America.” His decision to publicly recount his conversion, he explains, stems from a desire to move beyond that single, defining moment and to share a story of change and faith. He now identifies himself as “Lazarus,” referencing the biblical story of resurrection, signifying his rebirth into a new life.
Cytanovic’s account reveals a complex background, describing a childhood marked by financial insecurity but also familial love. He suggests that a sense of injustice surrounding poverty fueled early discontent, though he lacked the intellectual or moral framework to articulate it effectively. Raised in a household where his parents had left the Catholic Church, he described himself as a “none” – someone with no religious affiliation – but culturally Christian. This lack of firm belief, coupled with a search for meaning and belonging, ultimately led him towards the radical ideologies present in Identity Evropa, a white identitarian group active in 2017.
Early Influences and Radicalization
Cytanovic’s involvement with Identity Evropa wasn’t presented as a sudden leap, but rather the culmination of years of searching. He describes a gradual radicalization, fueled by a sense of injustice and a lack of grounding in moral philosophy. Even during this period of political engagement, he recounts moments of quiet contemplation, admiring the architecture of cathedrals and occasionally attending Mass with friends involved in pro-life activism, though without genuine faith. The rally in Charlottesville, although, proved to be a turning point. He describes it not as an isolated incident, but as the result of “years of poor choices.”
The aftermath of the Charlottesville rally, and the widespread condemnation that followed, proved pivotal. The photograph of him, captured during the march, became ubiquitous in media coverage, solidifying his image as a symbol of hate. It was in the wake of this public shaming, he writes, that he began to experience what he describes as an “inner call” – a persistent sense that something was profoundly wrong with his path. This realization prompted him to explore faith, ultimately leading him to enter the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) in the autumn following the rally. The RCIA is a process through which adults become members of the Catholic Church.
Cytanovic was formally received into the Catholic Church at Easter in 2018. He emphasizes that his initial belief in the teachings of Catholicism was just the beginning of a longer journey. The ingrained habits of anger and resentment didn’t disappear overnight, requiring continued effort and self-reflection. Determined to forge a new path, he enrolled at the London School of Economics, seeking intellectual and personal growth.
Finding Guidance in G.K. Chesterton
It was during his time at the London School of Economics that Cytanovic discovered the writings of G.K. Chesterton, a British writer and philosopher known for his apologetics and defense of Christianity. Cytanovic credits Chesterton with providing a framework for understanding and overcoming the “racial zeal and blind rage” that had previously consumed him. He immersed himself in Chesterton’s works, including Heretics, Orthodoxy, and The Everlasting Man, finding in them “small but real reasons to find joy in ordinary life.” Chesterton’s emphasis on joy, reason, and the inherent dignity of the human person offered a stark contrast to the nihilism and hatred that had characterized his previous worldview.
Currently a doctoral candidate in politics at the Catholic University of America, Cytanovic’s academic work now focuses on the political philosophy of labor. He believes his studies in Catholic social thought have reshaped his understanding of justice, moving him away from the divisive and exclusionary ideologies that once attracted him. On his website, he directly addresses his past, acknowledging his role in the Charlottesville rally while emphasizing his transformation: “Yes, I am the person known as the ‘angry torch guy’ from the 2017 Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. But that image captures only a moment in a past I have left behind. My name is Lazarus, and I am alive.”
The Charlottesville Rally: A Context of Extremism
The “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, held in August 2017, was a watershed moment in the resurgence of far-right extremism in the United States. Organized primarily to protest the planned removal of a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, the rally attracted white supremacists, neo-Nazis, members of the Ku Klux Klan, and other extremist groups from across the country. Participants marched through the University of Virginia campus carrying torches and chanting racist and nationalist slogans. The event quickly descended into violence, with clashes erupting between rally attendees and counter-protesters. Local authorities declared an unlawful assembly in response to the escalating tensions.
The following day, the violence reached a tragic climax when a car was deliberately driven into a crowd of counter-demonstrators, killing 32-year-traditional Heather Heyer and injuring dozens more. James Alex Fields Jr. Was later convicted of first-degree murder and multiple counts of malicious wounding for the attack. The Department of Justice announced Fields’ sentencing in July 2019.
The events in Charlottesville sparked widespread outrage and condemnation, prompting a national conversation about racism, hate speech, and the rise of extremism. The rally also led to increased scrutiny of far-right groups and their online activities. The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has extensively documented the rise of white supremacist groups in the United States, providing resources and analysis on their ideologies and activities. The SPLC website offers detailed information on hate groups and extremist movements.
Key Takeaways
- Peter Cytanovic, formerly a prominent figure at the 2017 “Unite the Right” rally, has converted to Catholicism and publicly renounced his past involvement in white nationalism.
- His journey involved a period of disillusionment, followed by a spiritual awakening and a rediscovery of faith.
- Cytanovic credits the writings of G.K. Chesterton with helping him overcome extremist ideologies and find meaning in life.
- The Charlottesville rally remains a significant event in the history of American extremism, prompting a national conversation about racism and hate.
- Cytanovic’s story offers a complex and nuanced perspective on the factors that contribute to radicalization and the potential for personal transformation.
Cytanovic’s story is a reminder that individuals can change, and that even those who have embraced hateful ideologies are capable of finding redemption. His ongoing studies at the Catholic University of America suggest a continued commitment to exploring questions of justice and social responsibility. As he continues his academic work, his experiences may offer valuable insights into the complexities of extremism and the pathways towards healing and reconciliation. The next step in his academic journey will be the completion of his doctoral research, with anticipated findings potentially contributing to a deeper understanding of the political philosophy of labor and its intersection with social justice.
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