Steven Waldman asks “Why Didn’t Catholics Follow the Church on the War?” I wasn’t aware, and don’t mean this glibly, that the Church had an official position on the war. I am aware, of course, of all the “concern” about the war expressed by both popes, some curia, and the U. S. bishops. I also know that the Catechism of the Catholic Church says that the decision to start a “just war” belongs to the head of state — it is up to his or her prudential judgment. Public comments, for or against, a war do not amount to a “Church position.” I suppose one reason that Catholics didn’t turn against the war once negative comments were heard from members of the curia and the Holy Father, was that they didn’t feel any obligation to do so. I’m sure most Catholics, like myself, take into account the perspective of bishops and the pope on prudential matters, but feel free to reach different conclusions.