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John McCarthy

John McCarthy is former senior advisor 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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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)

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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. 

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