Who was the one and only catholic president?

Answer 1

Even though Roman Catholicism is the largest Christian denomination in the United States, making up about 26% of Americans, it has not been looked upon favorably by all the Christian Americans. Throughout history there have been fears of Catholics and the belief that the Pope might have control over American politics if a Catholic were to take power. There have been many attempts to block Catholics from office and even limit their right to vote in early American history. Even political parties such as the "American Party" otherwise known as the Know-Nothing Party was created to fight the massive Catholic (Irish) Immigration to the United States, and ban them from office. Later there was less harassment towards Catholics yet they were still looked upon with distrust. Besides the Irish , other Catholics came in later immigrations from poor countries, had very few assets when they came to America and lived in slum areas or lived apart in their own communities, kept their own traditions, spoke their old languages and were distrusted as still being "foreigners" and different .

Even when John F. Kennedy entered the presidential race, he had to first make a statement basically stating that though he is Catholic he does not represent Catholics, or the Church. After Kennedy, American's no longer feared Catholics gaining the presidency or power and many more Catholics have entered politics. Today Catholics have a strong hold in politics; most of the state governors and U.S. Senators are Catholic. Even many presidential candidates such as Rudy Giuliani, Joe Biden, Bill Richardson, Christopher Dodd, Dennis Kucinich, Sam Brownback, Tommy Thompson. Former candidate , Senator John Kerry is Catholic. So it may be possible for more Catholics to gain the presidency.

Answer 2

John Fitzgerald Kennedy (served as US President 1961-1963)