OPINION | This article contains commentary that reflects the author's opinion.
Biden requested to be in attendance at an early morning Mass with Pope Francis, according to The Western Journal.
Biden’s request was ultimately denied.
“The proposal was nixed by the Vatican after considering the impact that Biden receiving Holy Communion from the pope would have on the discussions the [United States Conference of Catholic Bishops] is planning to have during their meeting starting Wednesday, June 16.”
“We are at a unique moment with the upcoming election cycle to make a real challenge to Roe v. Wade, given the possible changes to the Supreme Court. We should not dilute our efforts to protect the unborn,” Archbishop Alexander Sample stated.
“They felt, and they were right, that he wants to go to church and should have the right to. He wants to worship with his community,” Kelly stated.
“His understanding of the Eucharist was it shouldn’t be done hidden in private. I very much felt the Eucharist was being weaponized.”
Any leader “who advocates for abortion places himself or herself outside of Church teaching.”
From The Western Journal:
Adhering to Eucharistic coherence means bishops should be aware public officials cannot receive Holy Communion and “act with deeds or words against the commandments, particularly when abortion, euthanasia, and other grave crimes against life and family are encouraged,” according to CNA.
The bishops’ vote will decide if Catholic politicians who support abortion should be barred from receiving Communion.
John Kelly was part of the Democratic National Committee team in 2008 that would find Catholic parishes that would welcome Biden during the Obama-McCain presidential race.
Kelly told The Post that Biden’s team got mad at him when he suggested one of Biden’s priest friends travel with him to avoid any confrontation.
Pope Francis and Biden previously met in 2015 while Biden was vice president, according to CNA.
Biden also visited the Vatican on April 29, 2016, and praised Pope Francis, who he said comforted him after the loss of his eldest son Beau a year prior.
