Who was the first Roman Catholic President of the United States?

John F. Kennedy was the first Roman Catholic President of the United States, serving from 1961 until his assassination in 1963. His election marked a significant moment in American history as it overcame a longstanding religious barrier, given the apprehension many had about a Catholic president's loyalty to the Pope and the Catholic Church's influence on governance. Kennedy's presidency helped challenge and change perceptions about religious affiliations in politics, paving the way for greater religious diversity in future political leadership.

Kennedy's faith was frequently discussed during his campaign, and he addressed these concerns directly in a speech to a group of Protestant ministers in 1960, asserting that his Catholic beliefs would not interfere with his duties as president. This landmark event illustrated the evolving nature of American society and politics in the context of the Cold War and the Civil Rights Movement, where issues of diversity, equality, and representation became central themes.