No Communion for Kerry?

Voice of America was one of several outlets which carried the story about Cardinal Arinze's pointed comments with regard to the US election.

At a Vatican news conference, Cardinal Francis Arinze said priests should deny the sacrament of communion to any Catholic politician who supports the right of a woman to have an abortion.
But the cardinal fell short of singling out Senator Kerry who [is a Catholic and] has long supported abortion rights.

What the reports generally fail to mention is that Cardinal Arinze is considered to be a viable candidate for the Papacy; as a Nigerian, he stands a chance of being the first African Pope in over 15 centuries. I also find it interesting that politicians were singled out. Less forgiveness and a more exacting standard for those in politics? I suppose that's human.

Addendum circa 3 PM: With regard to the above church influence upon politics, it may be worth considering the words of Belgian Cardinal Gustaaf Joos as reported back on January 22:

He expressed contempt for Belgian politicians who had pushed through some of the world's most avant-garde laws on gay marriages, euthanasia and abortion. "Politics, democracy. Don't make me laugh. The right to vote, what is that all about? I find it strange that a snot-nosed 18-year-old has the same vote as a father of seven. One has no responsibilities whatsoever, the other provides tomorrow's citizens," he said. It is the first time a leading cleric has appeared to endorse calls by right-wing Catholics for an end to the principle of one person, one vote.

While this view with regard to democracy isn't mainstream, it deserves monitoring.