John Carr

John Carr retired on January 1, 2026, from the Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life at Georgetown University which he founded in 2013. He previously served as Director of the Department of Justice, Peace, and Human Development at the UnitedStates Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) for more than 20 years. He also was a Washington Correspondent for America, Chair of the Board of Bread for the World, and a Residential Fellow at the Institute of Politics at Harvard University.

Healy Hall, Georgetown University. (photo by Gtownsfs, Creative Commons)

Washington Front

In confronting its history with slavery, Georgetown University offers a model for moral leadership.

by John Carr September 26, 2016

In searching for leadership, I have found it not on the campaign trail but, ironically, one floor away from my office.

Washington Front

The only candidates Mr. Trump and Mrs. Clinton could defeat are each other.

by John Carr August 25, 2016

There is nothing traditional about this election.

Washington Front

The throwaway culture has a hold on both political parties.

by John Carr June 29, 2016

These are difficult days for the consistent ethic of life in American politics.

U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., listens to a questions as he speaks at a town hall meeting with millennials April 27 at Georgetown University's Institute of Politics and Public Service in Washington (CNS photo/Yuri Gripas, Reuters).

Washington Front

The alternative campaigns of Barack Obama and Paul Ryan

by John Carr May 3, 2016

President Obama is working to secure his legacy. Speaker Ryan is trying to offer an alternative to GOP voters.

Washington Front

Our Political Mandate

by John Carr April 14, 2016

Six months ago Pope Francis told Congress, “You are called to defend and preserve the dignity of your fellow citizens in the tireless and demanding pursuit of the common good, for this is the chief aim of all politics.” I love politics, but I hate much of what passes for politics today.

Washington Front

Can we redeem a demoralizing campaign season?

by John Carr April 6, 2016

I love politics, but I hate much of what passes for politics today.

Washington Front

The Voters’ Revolt

by John Carr March 9, 2016

This campaign is fueled by frustrations and fears about economic unfairness, global competition, racial injustice, demographic change and acts of terror.

Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. speaks during a campaign rally in Minneapolis, Minn. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

In All Things

Voter movements are shaping the 2016 elections in unexpected ways.

by John Carr March 1, 2016

The Tea Party and Black Lives Matter give big donors a run for their money

Washington Front

Character Questions

by John Carr February 11, 2016

As this is written, the Iowa caucuses are finally moving the presidential campaign into the hands, heads and hearts of voters. Pundits who have been consistently wrong are offering new explanations and projections. Here is a crazy prediction for a crazy campaign. A Republican demolition derby yields