Pope Francis

"We need to participate for the common good. Sometimes we hear: a good Catholic is not interested in politics. This is not true: good Catholics immerse themselves in politics by offering the best of themselves so that the leader can govern."

USCCB: Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship

Read Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States, a teaching document on political responsibility. The bishops urge use of the document to help in the formation of consciences, and to contribute to civil and respectful public dialogue and to shape political choices in light of Catholic teaching. In an effort to help to understand the document, there are also questions for reflection and discussion on Forming  Consciences for Faithful Citizenship 

Who in the Church Should Participate in Political Life?

"13. In the Catholic Tradition, responsible citizenship is a virtue, and participation in political life is a moral obligation. “People in every nation enhance the social dimension of their lives by acting as committed and responsible citizens” (Evangelii Gaudium, no. 220). The obligation to participate in political life is rooted in our baptismal commitment to follow Jesus Christ and to bear Christian witness in all we do. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, “It is necessary that all participate, each according to his position and role, in promoting the common good. This obligation is inherent in the dignity of the human person ... As far as possible citizens should take an active part in public life” (nos. 1913-1915)."

Catholic Social Teaching in the Public Square

"42. As Catholics we are not single-issue voters. A candidate’s position on a single issue is not sufficient to guarantee a voter’s support. Yet if a candidate’s position on a single issue promotes an intrinsically evil act, such as legal abortion, redefining marriage in a way that denies its essential meaning, or racist behavior, a voter may legitimately disqualify a candidate from receiving support."

Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops

"The church’s role in helping Catholics to form their consciences is a central theme of the U.S. Catholic Bishops Statement 'Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility.' The statement urges Catholics to be involved in public life and to use the values of their faith to shape their political choice.. 'With this foundation,' the bishops explain, 'Catholics are better able to evaluate policy positions, party platforms, and candidates’ promises and action in light of the Gospel and the moral and social teaching of the Church in order to help build a better world.'"

Diocese of Austin

The faithful should not expect parish priests and deacons to tell them for whom to vote. This is not the responsibility of the sacred minister. Rather, pastoral ministers are obliged to teach the truth to aid in the formation of consciences through the assistance of the Holy Spirit and the authoritative teaching of the Magisterium. DeKarlos Blackmon