Pelosi and the Pope – Nancy goes to the Vatican

Photo: Reuters - Catholics Protest against Pro-Choice Politicians

The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Benedict will meet with U.S. Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi on Wednesday. The report was confirmed by the Catholic News Agency yesterday. The Pope, in meeting with Pelosi, will do so in his role as Head of State, rather than his role as the Head of the Church – further, the article notes that the meeting will be private, giving no chance for Ms. Pelosi to turn this “audience with the Pope” into a “photo opportunity”. Pelosi is characterized in the article as a self-described “ardent Catholic”; however, she is also, contrary to church teaching, an ardent supporter of abortion – which is a sticking point with church leaders in the U.S. as well as those within the church who are pro-life.

During the general election of 2008, the Catholic vote played a significant role in the election of Barack Obama to the Presidency, regardless of his support for abortion. Catholics, for the most part, have traditionally voted Democrat, and with an estimated 30 million Catholics living in the United States, they are a voting bloc politicians would be best to court. It was not insignificant that Joe Biden, taking on the role of running mate to Barack Obama, was touted as a “Catholic”, in most news articles - this was noted as a direct attempt to attract the Catholic vote. Additionally, the support of Caroline Kennedy (another big Catholic name), in the early stages of the campaign, went a long way towards doing the same, especially in the Northeast where the family dynasty has the most support.

With 2010 elections on the horizon, it behooves the Speaker (who, incidentally appears to rule the roost in Washington), to do her part for the Party, and appear to be devout enough to meet with the Pope. (Granted, one is not supposed to be judgmental regarding another’s religious inclinations, and it could very well be that Ms. Pelosi is seeking to be exonerated, in the Catholic tradition of confessing sins (Abortion support), in order to be absolved. The crux of the matter is that once forgiven, Ms. Pelosi would have to become an ardent pro-life advocate – which flies in the face of traditional Democrat Party values and not-insignificant financial support from pro-abortion groups such as NARAL.)

In the Machiavellian world of U.S. politics, the meeting between Pelosi and the Pope, may be the result of the election of Michael Steele to the Chair of the RNC. Steele, a devote Catholic, who is pro-life, and has a Catholic pedigree that features a strong Catholic education, including “a few years at the Augustinian Friars Seminary at Villanova University, in preparation for the priesthood, before deciding instead on a career in civil service.” Therefore, the opposition party (Republicans) now have a bonafide Catholic at the helm, both an historical event and political boon that has been grossly overlooked (or under-reported).

What to look for in the coming days: Glowing reports of the meeting between Pelosi and the Pope from sources such as the New York Times, CNN and CBS, unless of course, the meeting either offered no press coverage, or is truly a personal visit of repentance. Alternately, the Vatican has a YouTube channel, updated frequently, for those who would follow this particular meeting. The most recent video from the Vatican appears below and focuses on the need for – confession. Timely.