Peter Cytanovic, known for his prominent role in the 2017 white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, has publicly detailed his conversion to Catholicism after distancing himself from extremist politics. In an opinion piece for Crisis Magazine, he reflects on his past, notably a widely circulated photograph of him during the rally, which he calls a visual representation of white supremacy.
At 20, Cytanovic was part of Identity Evropa, a nationalistic movement, but his political journey was influenced by feelings of injustice stemming from his upbringing in a loving yet financially strained family. Despite not being religious, he admired the beauty of churches and occasionally attended Mass without faith.
The aftermath of the rally marked a significant shift for him, as he felt an inner call to change and turn towards Christ. By Easter 2018, he had fully embraced Catholicism, yet struggled with lingering anger and resentment. Determined to transform his life, he studied at the London School of Economics, where he discovered the works of G.K. Chesterton, which helped him shift his understanding of justice and find joy.
Now a doctoral candidate in politics at the Catholic University of America, Cytanovic addresses his past directly, emphasizing that he is more than the image of the “angry torch guy” from the rally. He identifies with Lazarus from the Bible, asserting that he has left his former life behind. The Charlottesville rally itself was a far-right gathering opposing the removal of a Confederate statue, attracting various extremist groups and culminating in violent clashes and tragedy.
