In an interview with National Review released yesterday, Jeb Bush discussed his view of the role of the Catholic Church and, specifically, Pope Francis. Bush believes that Pope Francis has brought about a change in the “tone and emphasis” of the church but that those that are expecting “big changes” in doctrine will be disappointed. The conversation then turned to the Indiana RFRA law, as the National Review’s Kathryn Jean Lopez writes:

Can an attitude like Pope Francis’s help Catholics in public life, especially in situations like last week’s unpleasant upheaval over religious-freedom laws? “Absolutely,” says Governor Bush. “I do think he can help change the conversation. Because right now, it’s just full of landmines.”

On the topic of Indiana and related controversies, he adds: “It’s hard to imagine a country with our tradition of tolerance where now it’s ‘either/or.’ . . . A country as big and noble as our country doesn’t have space to be able to allow people of conscience to act on their faith and people not be discriminated against? I think we can figure this out.”

Making clear he’s not mistaking himself for pope or pastor, Bush suggests that “in politics, we really need to focus on language that cuts through that gets beyond them vs. us, the divide that always seems to prevail.”

Joshua Pinho works for American Principles in Action.