U.S. President Joe Biden has met Pope Francis at the Vatican, away from cameras, following criticism of the former’s pro-abortion policies.
President Biden met Pope Francis at the Apostolic Palace this week. Breaking with convention, however, a planned broadcast between the two was cancelled at the last minute.
The decision left journalists puzzled. It has been speculated that the cancellation is because of a disagreement on the issue of abortion.
“It’s clear that the Pope does not agree with the President about abortion. He’s made that exceptionally clear”, said Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore.
The White House had previously said that, though Pope Francis “has spoken differently” on abortion, a “warm meeting” was still expected.
Just a few days ago, Pope Francis blessed two giant pro-life bells being sent to Ukraine and Ecuador. “May their sound announce the ‘Gospel of life’ to the world, awaken the consciences of men, and be a reminder of the unborn”, said the Pope.
Pope Francis also recently denounced the “throwaway culture” of abortion, which treats the unborn as “waste”.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration has pursued overwhelmingly pro-abortion policies, drawing criticism from Catholics and other pro-lifers.
Earlier this year, Catholic University of Notre Dame students and staff petitioned against President Biden giving the traditional commencement address at the university, as reported by SPUC, because of his pro-abortion stance.
Biden policies include the reversal of a Trump-era ban on abortion referrals, as well as the appointment of officials who tried to force nuns to fund abortion.
SPUC comment
A SPUC spokesperson said: “Despite professing to be a Catholic, President Biden does not recognise the humanity of the unborn, contrary to pro-life Catholic teaching regarding the sanctity of life.
“Whatever happened behind closed doors at the Vatican, President Biden, an enemy of the unborn, is no friend to the Catholic Church.
“We certainly hope that the issue of abortion was raised vigorously during the meeting.”
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