Since she is number three in succession to the President, it was considered a 'diplomatic' visit, not a personal one.
And the Vatican is also good at sending signals, folks.
Note that the Vatican released a statement--not Nancy--and here's what it said:
Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday told U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, a Catholic who supports abortion rights, that Catholic politicians have a duty to protect life "at all stages of its development," the Vatican said.
... The Vatican released remarks by the pope to Pelosi, saying Benedict spoke of the church's teaching "on the dignity of human life from conception to natural death." That is an expression often used by the pope when expressing opposition to abortion.
Benedict said all Catholics—especially legislators, jurists and political leaders—should work to create "a just system of laws capable of protecting human life at all stages of its development."
Pretty clear, no? B-16 smiled and delivered a lecture to QueenNancy. SHE 'could not be reached for comment.'
But there's more:
Pelosi could not immediately be reached after the 15-minute meeting, which was closed to reporters and photographers
What The Queen wanted most was a photo-op.
Heh.
When was the last time Pelosi was unavialable for comment?
ReplyDeleteGood for the Pope to lay the smack down her.
As I just posted on CJ's blog:
ReplyDeleteI love B16 as much as the next guy but where was his stance on her receiving Holy Communion? She is living in grave sin and as the Pope, he should remind her that she CANNOT receive the Eucharist.
He didn't discuss this and frankly, that would be the ultimate slap.
Easy answer: under Canon Law, it is up to the local Ordinary (Bp. Niederauer) to give her the news--or her parish priest.
ReplyDeleteBut what is the difference between the Pope speaking about life but not about the Eucharist? I don't see a difference in discussing one versus the other with her.
ReplyDeleteAnd if he was just following Canon Law, then I think he should talk with her local bishop and give him a refresher.
I'm sure that Bp Niederauer knows his job. And perhaps he's already done what he had to do.
ReplyDeleteThose things are not made public.
As to what the Pope said: his message was very clear. It is up to Ms. Pelosi to determine the fate of her soul.
Given that the press release was just a summary, how do we know what kind of warning the Pope gave here vis a vis the Eucharist? I suspect he was very clear that she had better shape up.
ReplyDeleteAs I have said elsewhere, the Pope did what he needed to, now the ball is in her Bishop's court.