New York, Apr 16: The ongoing visit of Pope Benedict XVI to the US is being closely watched by the candidates for November presidential elections at a time when all the three hopefuls are wooing aggressively the Catholic voters who could be a major deciding factor. Analysts believe that both Democratic hopefuls - Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton - are increasingly talking of faith while avoiding more controversial subjects, including abortion rights and gay marriages, so as not to annoy their established constituencies.

The Catholics in the United States are not monolithic and there are divisions among them on these issues as also on ordaining women and married priests. But what Pope says is bound to have effect on the faithful.

The Pope will not directly intervene in the elections but is likely to express his views on a variety of subjects which could have bearing on the voting pattern. That makes Democrats worried as analysts say that they know that without Catholic voters their chances of getting elected would be bleak and they cannot afford to alienate pro choice and pro gay groups who traditionally vote for them.

But the Pope is opposed to Iraq war and is strong proponent for aggressive steps for poverty reduction which worries the Republicans though they say that he is now convinced against bringing US troops back home early as it would lead to further bloodshed. The Pope might use his address to the United Nations General Assembly on Friday to express his views on the issues of peace and war.

Over the last few weeks, both Clinton and Obama have been spelling out how faith had helped them get over the difficulties.