Author photo for John McCarthy

John McCarthy

John McCarthy is former senior adviser for political engagement to President Joe Biden. He is a longtime advisor to political leaders on engagement with the Catholic community. He is principal at Causeway Strategy Group.

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People support a large American flag on the field before the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football playoff semifinal game between Miami and Mississippi Jan. 8, 2026, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP/Ross D. Franklin)

For Catholics at America's 250th, our faith calls us to 'a more perfect union'

A spirit of extremism is pulling us apart, and Catholic social thought offers a different path forward, one rooted in dignity, responsibility, and the hard work of staying in relationship with people we disagree with.

Pope Francis walks down the aisle with then-U.S. Speaker of the House John Boehner and then-Vice President Joe Biden after delivering an address to a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol in Washington Sept. 24, 2015. Biden attended the April 26, 2025, funeral of Francis, who died April 21 at age 88.(OSV News/Michael Reynolds, pool via Reuters)

What lawmakers can learn from Pope Francis

As distrust continues to rise among leaders and the communities they serve, elected officials would be well served to follow the example of Pope Francis. 

Obama heard Pope Francis’ Call and Congress Should Too

Christmas is a Call to Activism

A Governor that IS Leading on Refugee Crisis

Governors Need to Lead on Refugee Crisis

Red Starbucks Cups for Christ

Paul Ryan: Good for Republicans, Bad for America

I was in Prison and You Visited Me

The symbolism of a pope and a president

What the Real Saint Patrick Teaches us about Faith Today

Hale Remembers "Benedict the Meek"

Faith Leaders Come Together for an End to Hunger

Schneck on Evangelii Gaudium

@Pontifex and the #SabbathSelfies

What Catholics can learn from Shark Week

The Church of “All or Nothing”

Building a Church of Welcome

Call Congress about Guantanamo

"Newark Archbishop John Myer's priorities are appalling"

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