How Catholics have defended free elections—and why they must do so again

by Maria J. Stephan | July 27, 2026

In his first encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas,” Pope Leo XIV warns against a “culture of power” where efficiency and domination replace human dignity and the common good. Although the document is primarily focused on artificial intelligence, its critique of concentrated power and its defense of truth against manipulation speak directly to larger themes of democratic life, especially those related to voting and elections.

As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday and approaches a consequential midterm election, American Catholics face an important test. Both at home and abroad, free and fair elections are under threat. These threats are less about outright fraud and rigging, and more about disinformation, voter intimidation, attempts to limit participation, central governments interfering with the local administration of elections, and verbal and physical threats to election officials. As Catholic theologians have noted, erecting unjust barriers to vote is a sin aimed at denying the sacred right to participate in civic life.