Who Would Pope Francis Vote For?

I’m a big fan of political tests, especially the tests who tell you which candidates for office you most align with. They’re a fun way to see where candidates stand on issues and to put your principles to the test and see if the candidate you support, really believes what you do.

Part of these tests place you on the “political spectrum”. It’s a 4-axis chart that plots you based on your answers to social and fiscal issues.

I thought it would be fun to see where our Holy Father plots on the political spectrum. I see people commenting all the time that Pope Francis is a socialist and I thought I’d see if that was actually the case.

I took a quiz on isidewith.com as if I were the Vicar of Christ himself. And here’s where it came out to:

Interesting huh?

Looks like Pope Francis is mostly a Centrist. Almost dead center. Leaning a little bit to the right socially (likely because of his stances on abortion and “same sex marriage”) and a little bit to the left fiscally (likely because of his stances on the environment & the general role of government)

Additionally, If the 266th Pope of the Church was an American and could vote in the election, here’s presumably who he would consider voting for:

My conclusion

I don’t think Pope Francis is as Left Wing as people my think. Personally, I wish he was more Libertarian in his views, but maybe that’s another article.

We all need to keep in mind that the Pope’s opinions politically are just that; his opinions. They are not official Church teaching or what Jesus would say. Pope Francis is just a man and he is making his best guess when it comes to matters of the politics outside of official Church teaching.

Below you’ll find the answers to the questions on isidewith and WHY I answered certain questions the way I did for the Bishop of Rome.

National Security Issues:

Should the President be able to authorize military force against Al-Qaeda without Congressional approval?

My answer for Francis: No, because I believe Pope Francis is extremely anti-war no matter if it is against a terrorist organization

Should the US assassinate suspected terrorists in foreign countries?’

My answer for Francis: No, Thou shall not kill.

Social Issues:

What is your stance on abortion?

My answer for Francis: Pro-life, Francis has spoken many times on the evil of abortion

Do you support the legalization of same sex marriage?

My answer for Francis: No. While this may get a lot of comments, Francis has said very firm things against gay marriage in the past.

Should the government continue to fund Planned Parenthood?

My answer for Francis: No. See above answer on abortion

Environmental Issues:

Should the government increase environmental regulations to prevent climate change?

My answer for Francis: Yes. Pope Francis has not been shy about his personal beliefs on climate change. It is my belief that he would support legislation like this

Should the U.S. withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement?

My answer for Francis: No, because of this.

Should disposable products (such as plastic cups, plates, and cutlery) that contain less than 50% of biodegradable material be banned?

My answer for Francis: Yes. because of this.

Economic Issues:

Should the government make cuts to public spending in order to reduce the national debt?

My answer for Francis: No. Just guessing here but I believe Francis would make the case that the public spending on welfare programs is necessary and just and that there are other ways to “cure” the national debt. Link to article that swayed me on this point.

Should the U.S. raise taxes on the rich?

My answer for Francis: Yes. Again, this is a guess here, but Pope Francis calls for the rich to help the poor (as probably every pope in History). If he was American and voting on sheer issues, it would be my guess that he would vote in favor of taxing the rich more for the poor. Because of this & and this.

Should the government raise the federal minimum wage?

My answer for Francis: No. This one could have gone either way. Francis (like many popes) has talked about a “just” wage, but never “minimum wage”. It is my belief that Francis would be more for business raising wages out of the goodness of their hearts than being forced to by the government.

Domestic Policy Issues:

Should internet service providers be allowed to speed up access to popular websites (that pay higher rates) at the expense of slowing down access to less popular websites (that pay lower rates)?

My answer for Francis: No. Pope Francis has never commented on “net neutrality” but the USCCB has and they were for net neutrality legislation. Francis and the USCCB see eye to eye on most things so I’m going to make that assumption.

Should there be more restrictions on the current process of purchasing a gun?

My answer for Francis: Yes, because of this.

Are you in favor of decriminalizing drug use?

My answer for Francis: No, because of this.

Healthcare Issues:

Should health insurers be allowed to deny coverage to individuals who have a pre-existing condition?

My answer for Francis: No, because of this.

Should the government regulate the prices of life-saving drugs?

My answer for Francis: Yes. I think in general Pope Francis thinks highly of regulations and would go along with his views on “protecting the most vulnerable”, meaning people with life-threatening diseases

Do you support the legalization of Marijuana?

My answer for Francis: No, see “decriminalizing drug use” question

Education Issues:

Do you support increasing taxes for the rich in order to reduce interest rates for student loans?

My answer for Francis: No. No record of any statements by Francis on student loan debt. Just going to go out on a limb here and say that Francis wouldn’t support this. Just seems like general government overreach most people can get behind

Should the federal government pay for tuition at four-year colleges and universities?

My answer for Francis: No. Again, no record of any statements. I don’t think he would MIND if governments did this but I don’t think he would say this HAS to be done.

Do you support Common Core national standards?

My answer for Francis: No. because of this.

Foreign Policy Issues:

Should every 18 year old citizen be required to provide at least one year of military service?

My answer for Francis: No. Seems that based on this article, Francis is in favor of “all-volunteer” armies

Should the U.S. remain in the United Nations?

My answer for Francis: Yes. Based on the transcript of his last speech to the UN, Pope Francis thinks the UN is vital to international human rights

Should the U.S. accept refugees from Syria?

My answer for Francis: Yes. This is a complicated answer, as the Pope has said “Yes” to this, but only as many as the country thinks is feasible.

Criminal Issues:

Should police officers be required to wear body cameras?

My answer for Francis: No. He would welcome police officers to exhibit self-restraint and to use violence only when necessary. He may not REQUIRE them to wear body cameras but may encourage it.

Should convicted criminals have the right to vote?

My answer for Francis: No. It is part of God’s plan that if you commit a crime on earth, you are removed from the benefits of society, even if pardon is granted by Our Lord.

Should the government hire private companies to run prisons?

My answer for Francis: Yes. But only if they can show that they can be compassionate about rehabilitating inmates

Electoral Issues:

Should the electoral college be abolished?

My answer for Francis: No. Although, I think he would support a majority if it was decided to abolish it.

Should a photo ID be required to vote?

My answer for Francis: No. Pope Francis would not be in favor of unreasonable measures to stopping participation in the democratic process.

Should foreigners, currently residing in the United States, have the right to vote?

My answer for Francis: No. It is Catholic Church teaching that nations may remain sovereign.

Transportation Issues:

Should the government increase spending on public transportation?

My answer for Francis: Yes. Because of this.