Archbishop Mark O’Toole, Archbishop of Cardiff-Menevia, has written to Catholics in Wales urging them to vote in the upcoming Senedd Election, which will take place on Thursday, 7 May.
The Senedd is the Welsh Parliament where decisions are made about many aspects of life in Wales, like health, education, housing, transport, and the environment. Members of the Senedd (MSs) play a crucial role in checking Welsh Government plans and spending, and suggest improvements to make things better for everyone in Wales.
In his letter, Archbishop O’Toole calls on Catholics to “participate actively in these elections and to fulfil their civic duty by voting for candidates who will best uphold the dignity of the human person and the common good.”
The Catholic Church in Wales comprises the Diocese of Wrexham and the Archdiocese of Cardiff-Menevia. Their combined 142 parishes serve a Catholic population of around 265,000 – making Catholicism one of the largest faiths in Wales.
The Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales has published a document outlining the work of the Catholic Church in Wales as well as its main policy requests.
The document states:
“As part of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales and the wider global Catholic Church, the Catholic community in Wales contributes greatly to the nation’s proud heritage of religious, cultural and ethnic diversity.”
Archbishop O’Toole echoes this in his letter, and reminds Catholics of five key areas of importance for the Church in Wales: Education, Life Issues, Historic Churches, Healthcare and the Environment. He said:
“This is your opportunity to shape the future of Wales through a Catholic lens for the good of all. As you discern among the candidates and their approach to these and other important issues, I encourage you to pray for those who are seeking election and those who govern. May their decisions be always guided by the wisdom of the Holy Spirit and a true desire to serve the people of Wales, especially the most vulnerable.”
The Bishops’ Conference Senedd Election 2026 document is available in English and Welsh and can be downloaded here:
As we approach the Senedd Election on 7 May, I am writing to Catholics across Wales to encourage them to participate actively in these elections and to fulfil their civic duty by voting for candidates who will best uphold the dignity of the human person and the common good.
Members of the Senedd play a crucial role in scrutinising Welsh Government plans and spending; this is your opportunity to make your voice heard and ensure your vote counts. I urge you to use this time between now and the Senedd election to ensure that you can make an informed decision at the polling station on 7 May.
There are many issues which are of great importance to the people of Wales and which will be affected by the outcome of the election.
I would like in particular to draw your attention to the five issues and policy considerations which have been highlighted in the Catholic Bishops’ Conference’s Senedd Election 2026 document, produced for this election.
Will your candidate safeguard Catholic schools in Wales, including their right to teach RE in line with their Trust Deeds? Will you candidate ensure that Catholic schools are not disadvantaged in Sustainable Communities for Learning funding?
Will your candidate prevent policies that undermine the dignity of human life at any stage, including assisted suicide or abortion? Will your candidate seek better support for vulnerable women and children, people with life-limiting conditions, and those nearing the end of life?
Will your candidate support the provision of capital funding for repairs at historic churches and chapels through Government funding?
Will your candidate support increased access to high quality palliative care for those who need it? Will they support investment in prenatal and postnatal care and ensure better healthcare for every child and their parents?
Will your candidate support measures that promote biodiversity and continue to commit to achieving net-zero carbon targets?
This is your opportunity to shape the future of Wales through a Catholic lens for the good of all.
As you discern among the candidates and their approach to these and other important issues, I encourage you to pray for those who are seeking election and those who govern. May their decisions be always guided by the wisdom of the Holy Spirit and a true desire to serve the people of Wales, especially the most vulnerable.
Yours in Christ,
Archbishop Mark O’Toole
Archbishop of Cardiff-Menevia
