At one time, the presence of Catholics on both major-party tickets would have been cause for celebration. But now Mr. Vance and Mr. Biden reflect the political divisions among U.S. Catholics.

Once we start thinking about what God clearly made happen or clearly didn’t make happen, it opens up a whole world of uncomfortable questions.

My fellow Americans, I have some bad news: This is who we are.

We must begin to notice, name and resist the distortions caused by ageism, so that more clear-eyed assessments of President Biden are possible.

Too many people opposing Mr. Trump have adopted an us-vs.-them mentality. Democrats must attempt to bridge the real divisions in the United States.

There’s a lot at stake in our country and in our church. We must learn from those with experience, but we must also prepare the next generation to take our place.