Clarity Imperative in Distinguishing Right From Wrong

My fellow Catholics in the Public Square co-editor David has reported on the U.S. delegation to the installation Mass for Pope Benedict XVI, noting that Gov. Jeb Bush (R-FL) would head the five members representing his brother President George W. Bush.

Our readers may find Gov. Bush's observations, as reported by Catholic News Service, of interest:

Catholic politicians can balance guidance from the Vatican with a commitment to following secular laws, said the head of the U.S. delegation to Pope Benedict XVI's April 24 inauguration Mass.

"I take advice from the leader of my church very seriously," Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida said at a press conference the afternoon before the Mass.

"I also have a duty to uphold the laws of the state. I don't believe this necessarily has to be in conflict," he said, adding that religious leaders have a right to take a stand on political issues.

"This helps not just Catholic governors, but others as well," said Bush, who in 1996 became a Catholic, which is the faith of his wife, Columba.

Gov. Bush indicated that he was confident that the new Pope would continue his predecessor's emphasis on human dignity.

The dialogue about creating a culture of life is one that needs to be ongoing,and religious leaders, particularly the pope, can play an important role for us to realize the value of life. It's not just related to abortion. It relates to end-of-life issues as well.

It's wonderful to have moral leaders that are not ambiguous about what's right and what's wrong.

I'm sure that our readers will agree with me that it would also be wonderful to have political leaders that reflected the same clarity.