I respect Notre Dame's courage in making the invitation, and in keeping it once made. I was kind of hoping to hear more about it in the regular news channels and did not in fact see or hear of it so I'll investigate Joe's link.

My father taught at a Jesuit institution for many years and I had occasions to meet some of the priests who were educators there (like when they came to my Bar-Mitzvah). In this era it was not unknown for Catholic men of the cloth to run for office. We supported Father Drinan, who was eventually directed to retire from politics by The Church.

I noticed (of course) that in the series "West Wing" the President was Catholic and his religion was presented as a major personal motivation. It made a very good impression on me.