Ryan, Romney's VP pick, has publicly renounced Ayn Rand yet has failed to change any of his policies that were shaped by her influence

WASHINGTON – Mitt Romney’s newly announced vice presidential candidate, Catholic Congressman Paul Ryan, has a long-standing standing relationship with the teachings of atheist philosopher Ayn Rand. Because of their stern pronouncements against serving the weak, poor and marginalized, the teachings of Ayn Rand are antithetical to Catholic social teaching.

On April 16, the Catholic bishops condemned Paul Ryan’s budget proposal as failing a “basic moral test” in that it slashes food assistance to the poor and radically redefines safety net programs such as Medicare.

Despite the formative influence of Ayn Rand on his involvement in public life, on April 26, Congressman Ryan publicly claimed to have renounced the teachings of Ayn Rand, yet has failed to explain how any of his policies have changed.

“With the selection of Paul Ryan as his running mate, it is fair to call this the Romney-Ryan-Rand presidential ticket,” said James Salt, executive director of Catholics United. “Despite his Catholic background, this selection will certainly cost Romney votes from cross-pressured Catholic swing voters. Catholics, more than the general population, believe government has an important role in defending the dignity of those less fortunate.”

For more information about Paul Ryan’s worldview and how it was shaped by the teachings of Ayn Rand, please see:

The New Yorker: Ryan Lizza, Fussbudget: How Paul Ryan Captured the GOP

For more Catholic reactions to Paul Ryan, please see:

NETWORK, the Catholic Social Justice Lobby

Franciscan Action Network