
By Mary Wisniewski, Reuters
CHICAGO (Reuters) – The two candidates for vice president of the United States are both Catholic and competing in an election year that has seen the Roman Catholic Church flex its political muscle more forcefully than ever.
Paul Ryan and Joe Biden – one a social-values conservative, the other a fierce advocate for social programs – represent the deep divisions among American Catholics, who have been an important swing vote for decades.
A Reuters/Ipsos Poll conducted last weekend reveals the divergent opinions in the Church and shows that Catholics are divided equally between Democratic President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney, with each winning just under 40 percent of voters… Read More

Priest Barbara Zeman prepares to preside over the Dignity Chicago weekly mass, an outside-of-the-official Catholic church service for gays and lesbians, in Chicago, September 2, 2012. REUTERS/John Gress

Priest Barbara Zeman blesses Kendra Kozak, a potential new member of the congregation, during the Dignity Chicago weekly mass, an outside-of-the-official Catholic church service for gays and lesbians, in Chicago, September 2, 2012. REUTERS/John Gress

Rev. Michael Pfleger delivers his sermon at St. Sabina Catholic Church during the predominantly African-American congregation's Unity Mass in Chicago, September 2, 2012. REUTERS/John Gress

Parishioners including Clara Randall worshop at St. Sabina Catholic Church during the predominantly African-American congregation's Unity Mass in Chicago, September 2, 2012. REUTERS/John Gress

Priest Barbara Zeman presides over the Dignity Chicago weekly mass, an outside-of-the-official Catholic church service for gays and lesbians, in Chicago, September 2, 2012. REUTERS/John Gress

Priest Barbara Zeman prepares to preside over the Dignity Chicago weekly mass, an outside-of-the-official Catholic church service for gays and lesbians, in Chicago, September 2, 2012. REUTERS/John Gress

Parishioners including Clara Randall worshop at St. Sabina Catholic Church during the predominantly African-American congregation's Unity Mass in Chicago, September 2, 2012. REUTERS/John Gress

Parishioners including Clara Randall worshop at St. Sabina Catholic Church during the predominantly African-American congregation's Unity Mass in Chicago, September 2, 2012. REUTERS/John Gress

A small statue depicting Jesus can be seen at St. Sabina Catholic Church during the predominantly African-American congregation's Unity Mass in Chicago, September 2, 2012. REUTERS/John Gress