Sotomayor, sixth Catholic justice, nominated by Obama to Supreme Court

Consider this an open thread.

There are many, many links to follow on the Sotomayer announcement, but what is most interesting to me (and fellow papists), is her religious affiliation:

Judge Sonia Sotomayor has much to distinguish her, but one element of her biography stands out in the world of those interested in religion and the public square: she is Catholic, and, if approved as a Supreme Court justice, she will be the sixth Catholic on the nine-member court. That is a remarkable accomplishment for American Catholics, who make up 23 percent of the nation's population, and will now potentially hold 67 percent of the high court's seats. Two of the justices are Jewish; the resignation of Justice David Souter, who is an Episcopalian, will leave, amazingly given the history of this nation, just one Protestant on the Supreme Court, 89-year-old Justice John Paul Stevens. (Michael Paulson at the Boston Globe)

I'll refrain from further comment at this point, but it would be unfair to deny the opportunity for AmP readers to weigh-in. So have at it.

As an important note, pro-life organizations are quickly responding to the nomination. Dr. Charmaine Yoest, President & CEO of Americans United for Life, says:

“A vote to confirm Judge Sotomayor as the next Supreme Court Justice is a vote to strip Americans of the ability to choose for themselves how to regulate abortion. Our recent polling data speaks to this point of judicial activism and as a woman, I don't believe she 'represents' American women.”

Related: Carl Anderson, head of the Knights of Columbus, has a compelling op-ed today; "Golden Opportunity to Move Beyond the Legacy of Roe v. Wade" over at their news blog Headline Bistro.