“Catholics make up something like 40% of the state of New York,” said Dennis Poust, executive director of the New York Catholic Conference. “We number at about 7 million.”
As the rift appears to widen between President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV, there’s some debate on if this controversy could impact the outcome at the ballot box in New York’s midterm elections.
In November, New York’s 26 congressional seats will be on the ballot, along with four statewide offices, including governor.
“There are a number of seats, you know, that are up for the midterms in the House that are tossups, and a lot of those seats probably have a good number of Catholic voters in them,” said Jonathan Parent, associate professor of political science at LeMoyne College. “So even if it’s only remembered by a small number, it can make a difference.”
The debate follows comments Pope Leo made earlier this month against the war in Iran.
His comments line up with the Catholic Church’s “Just War Doctrine,” which states: “All citizens and all government are obliged to work for the avoidance of war.”
Following the pope’s remarks, President Trump responded. On April 16, while speaking to reporters, Trump said “The pope made a statement… I said Iran can’t have a nuclear weapon.”
“Whoa to those who manipulate religion in the very name of God for their own military, economic, or political gain,” said Pope Leo XIV.
Political experts say this issue could have a bigger impact on places that have a large Catholic Latino population like Arizona, California, and Texas since Latinos currently serve as a swing demographic.
When the rift first began to unfold, Gov. Kathy Hochul weighed in.
“I think it’s important,” said Hochul. “The pope is a man of peace. He has a right to speak out, and I think wise leaders would be smart to listen to him.”