Can Pope Francis' visit to the US influence Canadian election?

For many 'traditional' Catholics, abortion and the right to life have been far and away the largest and most important moral issue for consideration when voting for a candidate in an election - whether Federal, Provincial or, even, municipal. For some, it is the only issue. (Disclaimer: I am pro-life and believe in the sacredness of human life from the moment of conception.)

I have had Catholic friends urging me to vote for a particular candidate because he or she is the only 'pro-lifer' in the field of candidates, never mind that the political party leader has made it abundantly clear that  "We are not going to reopen the abortion debate."

Pope Francis calls for help for refugees

Now, along comes Pope Francis to visit the United States primarily to  attend the World Meeting of Families, though he did not shy away from speaking to American and World politicians when the opportunity arose. While in the States he reiterates repeatedly (tautology intended) the moral imperatives regarding the environment, refugees, the poor, the lowest in society. He hardly ever mentions abortion and when he does, from what I have read, compassion or a synonym is never more than a breath away.

It seems clear to me that any Catholic who is in tune with the Pope and who wants to know where a political party stands on abortion needs also to be asking where that political party stands on the environment, refugees and the poor. An answer in platitudes will just not cut it. What are the numbers, the  dates and the dollars? Dates after 2015 also do not cut it. The need is now, in the next weeks and months.

Go. I urge you. Ask your political parties what they think about Pope Francis' ideas on the environment and refugees. Compare their answers.

Photo credit: Express