KERRY'S CATHOLIC QUAGMIRE. Today Cardinal Francis Arinze spoke at the Vatican about pro-abortion, Catholic politicians receiving communion. A reporter asked Arinze if Kerry could receive communion given his "unapologetic support" of abortion rights. Arinze said the church's position was clear, such politicians are not fit to take communion. I take that as a "yes".

In fact, Bishop Raymond Burke, the archbishop of St. Louis, has said he would refuse to give Kerry communion. Kerry's own archbishop, Sean O'Malley of Boston, endorses the principle.

I'm glad to see the Catholics making a move to hold politicians accountable. We'll see how much backbone they display. Fortunately, seated in the center of the remains of the Roman Empire, Il Papa does not see American politics as all important, and may think the principles of the church are more important. We'll see.