Gov. Bush leads trip to Vatican

TALLAHASSEE - Gov. Jeb Bush, who became a Catholic a decade ago at a turning point in his life, will lead the American delegation to Rome for Sunday's inaugural Mass of Pope Benedict XVI.

President Bush asked his younger brother to represent the United States at ceremonies marking the change in leadership of the Roman Catholic Church.

"I'm excited to represent our country, and particularly people of the Catholic faith, at this important time," the 52-year-old governor said. "I'm delighted to be going."

The five-member U.S. delegation also includes Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele; Carl Anderson, the chief executive officer of the Knights of Columbus; Helen Alvare, an associate professor of law at Catholic University in Washington; and Frank Hanley, president emeritus of the International Union of Operating Engineers.

Also attending are 21 members of Congress.