Cardinal Dolan has written the Democratic and Republican nominees for president and vice president and asked them to sign the Civility in America pledge developed by the Knights of Columbus.

The pledge calls on candidates, commentators and the media to focus on the critical issues facing the nation and to avoid making personal attacks.

In his letters, dated prior to the respective conventions of both parties, the cardinal cited the results of a recent poll that found that 78 percent of Americans are frustrated with the tone in politics today and that 66 percent believe that candidates spend more time attacking their opponents than addressing the issues.

“That this perception exists cannot be healthy for our country or our democratic political process,” the cardinal wrote. “Civility in America is giving voice to the desire of Americans of all backgrounds and political parties for more civil discourse during this election season.”

At the Knights of Columbus Convention Aug. 6-8 in Anaheim, Calif., Supreme Knight Carl Anderson introduced the Civility in America initiative.

The petition, designed by the Knights of Columbus, says:

“We, the undersigned citizens of the United States of America, respectfully request that candidates, the media and other advocates and commentators involved in the public policy arena employ a more civil tone in public discourse on political and social issues, focusing on policies rather than on individual personalities. For our part, we pledge to make these principles our own.”

In the conclusion of his written request to the politicians, Cardinal Dolan said: “Might I respectfully ask that you sign this pledge. I would be most happy to be able to convey to Carl Anderson and to the 1.8 million members of the Knights of Columbus, that you have chosen to support this valuable effort.”

The general public may access the petition at www.civilityinamerica.org.