Benedict has increased the number of Italians and Vatican bureaucrats in the College of Cardinals, observes Thomas Reese, SJ, a senior fellow at Georgetown University's Woodstock Theological Center.

Thomas J. Reese, SJ, talks about white and Hispanic Catholic voters and suggests how President Obama's own biography could help him connect with ethnic Catholics.

Abortion opponents say Obama's Notre Dame commencement speech and honorary degree are a scandal. Others suggest it's an opportunity for vigorous public debate and an example of academic freedom.

The Holy See has played an active global role for centuries. It has permanent observer status at the United Nations and has all the rights of full UN membership except voting.