Senator John McCain, the apparent Republican presidential nominee, appeared on Chris Matthews’ Hardball College Tour and answered student questions at Villanova University on April 15.

Although Senator McCain has a pro-life voting record on abortion, he does support embryonic stem cell research.  Embryonic stem cell research is strongly opposed by the Catholic Church.

Michelle Obama, the wife of Democratic contender Barack Obama, appeared at a large rally at the Villanova campus last month.  Mrs. Obama endorsed partial-birth abortion in a 2004 fundraising letter for her husband. Senator Obama supports Roe v. Wade, partial-birth abortion and embryonic stem cell research.

Joseph A. Esposito, Director of The Cardinal Newman Society’s Center for the Study of Catholic Higher Education, said, “It is important that Catholic colleges not provide a platform for public officials and candidates who are opposed to Catholic Church teachings.

“While there may be variations, even wide variations, on a range of culture-of-life issues, there is no question that support for embryonic stem cell research is contrary to the Church’s position.  It is important to hold everyone to the same standard.”

The Cardinal Newman Society was one of 18 major Catholic organizations that endorsed a Statement of Principles Regarding Catholic Institutions, Sanctity of Life and Political Engagement in February 2008.  Among the issues that were identified for vigilance regarding political speakers was support for embryonic stem cell research.