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US President John Fitzgerald Kennedy moments before being shot on November 22 1963. Photo/REUTERS
WASHINGTON – The history of the United States (US) has witnessed various former presidents representing diverse religious backgrounds.
One religion that has had a significant role in American politics is Catholicism.
The following are several former presidents of the United States who were Catholics, and their impact and influence on the country’s history.
1. John F Kennedy (1961-1963)
One of the most iconic Catholic former presidents of the United States was John Fitzgerald Kennedy, or better known as JFK. 
He was elected as the 35th president of the United States and served from 1961 to 1963.
JFK’s presidency was a turning point in American political history, especially because he was the first Catholic president in the country’s history.
Before being elected president, JFK faced major challenges due to the distrust of some American voters who feared his adherence to the Catholic religion would influence his political decisions.
However, in his famous speech in 1960, JFK clarified that his Catholicism would not influence his political decision-making.
JFK’s election represented significant progress in accepting Catholicism in United States politics.
