"I Asked God For a Lot"

By Romesh Ratnesar

In a new book, The Mighty & the Almighty: Reflections on America, God, and World Affairs, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright explores the role religion plays in U.S. foreign policy. She spoke with TIME's Romesh Ratnesar last week.

You were raised Catholic. How did your faith influence you as Secretary of State? I asked God for a lot. I didn't say thank you enough. It shaped my view of morality, and in many ways I so much believe that morality needs to play a central role in foreign policy.

You criticized the war in Iraq during a meeting with President Bush this year. I thought it was essential to say something because I actually say a lot of these things publicly. I thought it would be intellectually dishonest not to say to his face what I say to people like you.

Have you heard from anyone in the Administration since? I've had dinner with Secretary Rice. But as to the specifics of the meeting, no.

Do you miss your old job? Yes. People who say they're glad when these jobs end are lying. I felt incredible pride in representing the U.S. and could have done it forever.

You appeared in an episode of Gilmore Girls. Are you turning down movie deals now? People think I'm so-o-o serious and always thinking about foreign policy, but it's not all I do. What I found in acting is that it was actually quite hard because you have to follow a script, totally, exactly. I think I'm better being Secretary of State.