The Catholic Church is one of the most historically political institutions of the Western world.  I refer those interested to the book "The Entity: Five Centuries of Secret Vatican Espionage" by Eric Frattini (2009, JR Books) which, if you thought our current politics were dirty (and they most certainly are) the Church has a history that surpasses ours by any measure.  Some of those practices remain in full effect even today.  It is not yet purified.  I agree with you that Sen. Kaine may well open the path for 'accompanying' in US politics.....I very much hope so.