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Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life

June 19, 2014

What is Pope Francis’ Message for Young Catholics in Public Life

Panelists Michael Gerson and Jon Favreau share a laugh at Initiative event.
How is the world responding to the affirming challenge of Pope Francis? Moreover, what does Pope Francis have to say to young leaders about politics and public service?

Two former presidential speechwriters, John Favreau and Michael Gerson, reflected on their experiences as persons of faith and public policy professionals. From differing political and ideological perspectives, they talked candidly about how faith and politics both come together and conflict in the world of Washington. John Carr, director of the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life, moderated the event.

Jon Favreau is a former speechwriter for President Barack Obama.

Michael Gerson is a former speechwriter for President George W. Bush.

John Carr is the director of the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown University. He is also the Washington correspondent for America Magazine; he joined the Georgetown faculty in 2013.