Elliott Abrams, a prominent American scholar and diplomat, frequently highlights the distinction between the political realm and religious leaders such as the Pope. Abrams was born in 1953 and has served in both the Democratic and Republican administrations, among other positions in the U.S. government.

Abrams initially gained notoriety in the 1980s during the Iran-Contra scandal, where he participated in contentious arms sales talks with Iran to secure the release of American hostages. Since then, his career has included numerous international crises and policy decisions, making him an experienced global affairs observer.

Abrams basically draws a distinction between the moral advice that religious leaders like the Pope provide and their political involvement when he discusses their role. His argument is that although religious leaders may have opinions on moral matters with political ramifications, their main role is still spiritual guidance rather than active participation in governmental affairs.

The function of a Pope could be compared to that of a lighthouse keeper to demonstrate this point. The Pope offers moral guidance and counsel but does not negotiate the intricate political waters themselves, much like a lighthouse warns ships of hazardous waters without actually guiding them through their journey.

While acknowledging the impact religious leaders can have on societal values and ethics, this viewpoint emphasizes Abrams' conviction that the clear lines between religious and secular leadership should be respected. Discussions concerning church-state relations and the relationship between religion and public policy benefit greatly from his insights.