Catholic bishops seek peaceful poll debate

As the federal election campaign rolls on, leaders of the Catholic church have issued a statement seeking an end to 'cruel tribalism' in political debate.

Australia's Catholic bishops have urged federal election candidates to combat "crude tribalism" and promote peaceful public debate as they campaign ahead of the May 18 election.

The bishops have released a statement, Politics in service of peace, the title of which comes from a quote from Pope Francis: "Good politics is at the service of peace".

"We all have a role in promoting peace - which means speaking to our fellow Australians with love not hate, with respect not contempt, with understanding not indifference," the statement says.

"We all need to be more open, interested and engaged in order to combat the crude tribalism that is infecting Australia and other nations at this time."

The bishops have urged policies that improve economic fairness, support for the vulnerable and marginalised, just treatment of asylum seekers, action on climate change and improving outcomes for indigenous Australians.

Closing the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians on health, education and welfare was a "running sore at the heart of the nation", they said.

As the second-largest provider of schooling in the country, the Catholic church says better funding is needed to especially give disadvantaged children greater support.