Catholicism created many liberal values, but did so on religious, not philosophical grounds. This is a critically important distinction, because both compromises and absolutes are wildly different between the two.
From Catholicism’s point of view, it does such things because it is required or forbidden to by heaven, or it is general alignment with, or general conflict with, concepts promulgated in heaven.
This determines their absolutes, what is required and what is forbidden; but it also determines what actions or omissions are circumstantial and judgmental.
But from philosophical liberalism’s point of view, it is solely based on the desires of the individual, for their own gratifications, aversions, and prejudices. Though they often assign what they personally want to what all mankind wants.
Unfortunately, Catholics are just as prone as everyone else to mental illness, neurosis, fanaticism, cynicism, and the deadly sins as well. Which means that philosophical liberalism appeals to them far more than religious values, as they become self-centered, and embrace the “cafeteria Catholic” point of view.
So, to rephrase the question, “Could a liberal ever embrace Catholicism?”, which amounts to “Can a man ever be redeemed?” The answer to which is an obvious “yes, but not always.”
That is a truly insightful comment - thanks!