The grownups are back in charge of foreign relations

From Get Religion, a link to an illuminating story.

During her recent visit to Mexico, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made an unexpected stop at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and left a bouquet of white flowers “on behalf of the American people…"

Msgr. Monroy took Mrs. Clinton to the famous image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which had been previously lowered from its usual altar for the occasion.

After observing it for a while, Mrs. Clinton asked “who painted it?” to which Msgr. Monroy responded “God!”

It would be nice if this would prompt the Secretary to read a little about the icon, but I won't hold my breath. To be fair, I doubt most American Catholics understand why her question reflected lack of preparation.

Leaving the basilica half an hour later, Mrs. Clinton told some of the Mexicans gathered outside to greet her, “you have a marvelous virgin!”

Imagine the headlines had Sarah Palin said such a thing.