Mr Rudd will raise the issue of sainthood for Blessed Mary MacKillop at a meeting with Pope Benedict XVI in Rome on July 9. (Sky News, 7/7/2009)

Will that achieve something?

The canonisation of new Saints is a matter for the Church and it alone.

Mr Rudd knows that.

So what is he up to?

Does he hope to score points with Catholic voters by this means?

Perhaps Mr Rudd regards Catholic voters as not being very bright.

Could he be correct in thinking that?

After all, many Catholics vote ALP — despite the party’s  anti-Catholic policies on abortion, embryo-destruction and family issues.

Mother Mary MacKillop deserves to be recognised as a saint and she will be — but in God’s good time.