Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life

The first Catholic president of the United States, John F. Kennedy, is known for many things, but he rarely is recognized for his role in the women’s rights movement. Under the Kennedy administration, the Civil Rights Act and the Equal Pay Act were passed, and the Commission on the Status of Women was established. Though parts of Kennedy’s legacy are less bright regarding his record with women, he took unprecedented strides to protect the dignity of the human person—a core tenant of Catholic Social Thought. However, the presence of laws and ideals supporting equality in our society are not enough to change behavior. Equality and dignity must be institutionalized in every aspect of our culture and promoted among our youth and more tenured leaders, including those in religious and political positions.

On Sunday, October 15 Father Julián Carrón, president of the Fraternity of Communion and Liberation, and Archbishop Christophe Pierre, papal nuncio to the United States of America, came together for a conversation on the message of Disarming Beauty—Carrón’s most recent work—and the mission of Pope Francis. What followed was a passionate and powerful reflection on the goals of Pope Francis and the change he is inspiring in the world.