Catholic parenting during election season: teaching discernment, not division

Catholic parents can use the current election season as an opportunity to teach children how to practice discernment, according to a report by Colleen Pressprich for OSV News. Because no political party or candidate aligns perfectly with Catholic doctrine, voters must decide for themselves, providing a real-life example of the discernment process for children.

The report notes that many parents avoid discussing politics with their children due to the difficulty of making decisions when candidates do not meet all religious standards. This challenge is compounded by intense political advertising and influencer messaging in the United States.

Pope Leo XIV recently stated that Catholics should not be unengaged spectators in their country's political life. He said believers must be involved and listen with their hearts to help those facing injustice, discrimination, and violence.