I'm not Catholic, so I may not understand everything, so please forgive any blunders I might make.
Is this something that will be significant to Catholics, to see the President with the Pope?
Would Kerry be allowed to have an audience with the Pope given his stance on abortion?
Pope Appeals for Return of Iraq's Sovereignty
Reuters
Friday, June 4, 2004; 7:01 AM
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope John Paul called for the speedy return of Iraq's sovereignty during a meeting at the Vatican on Friday with President Bush.
"It is the evident desire of everyone that this situation now be normalized as quickly as possible with the active participation of the international community and, in particular, the United Nations organization, in order to ensure a speedy return of Iraq's sovereignty, in conditions of security for all its people," the 84-year-old pontiff said.
The pope strongly opposed the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq last year.
Saddam's envoy met with the Pope so it appears the Pope does not discriminate between good and evil.
It is significant for American Catholics who are devout (and most likely vote Republican) to see the Methodist President visit the Pope. Despite the animosity of some Protestants he does represent over a billion members of the Church on earth. It seems to the Muslims (who have long memories and remember non-wimpy Christians) that he represents the leader of Christianity more than any other figure.
As for Kerry, well, I am sure he could have an audience with the Pope. I am certain the Pope would be very frank with him regarding the precarious position of his soul should he continue to defend the death cult. All the Church can do is appeal to his conscience and apply excommunication when it is deemed necessary.
I appreciate that American Fundamentalist Protestants have picked up the ball dropped by (most, not all) wimpy Catholic bishops regarding the abortion horror.
Anyone can have an audience with the pope, even the man who tried to assasinate him. Kerry would never do it because the pope would very likely mention the obligation of politicians to protect unborn children in a public statement. I doubt the pope would allow himself to be used as a photo op, as Cardinals McCarrick and Mahoney have done.
Many of the "old school" catholics see this as important. You can probably put the catholic spectrum of Hispanics (particularly the recently immigrated) in that category as well. Note: this is, of course, a rather braod generalization.
The Pope, as a shepherd, would meet with just about anyone, including Kerry. Of course, meeting with him should not be taken as an endorsement, anymore than Bush meeting with Chirac or Schroeder is an endorsement of their policies (or vice-versa). Remember, the Pope is a head of state too.
Possibly. I don't know why it should be of any greater significance than a meeting with Gorbachev or Arafat, however. With nearly a thousand audiences and official visits with heads of state and prime ministers, it's possible this visit means more to US citizens here at home than it does to Catholics worldwide.
=== Would Kerry be allowed to have an audience with the Pope given his stance on abortion?
With all due recognition of her donning a mantilla out of respect, the First Lady -- although not as strident as the President's own mother -- also is a pro-abort who doesn't believe Roe should be overturned.
For a Catholic, it's nice to see the pope honoring the US through the president...and vice-versa. Re: Kerry....I suppose if he were president, the pope would recieve him....but he would give him a damn good comuppance [sp!]
given Kerry's posit on abortion etc. I remember when the
pope was visiting some Latin American hell hole where the socialsts were in charge, and one of those present was a priest or bishop who was also a member of that government and the pope really gave him hell for being a leftist involved in politics. I have a feeling if Kerry were to meet the pope, the pope would tell him he should stop recieving communion while he has the attitude he does on abortion et al.