Posted on 04/20/2005 6:19:56 PM PDT by chemical_boy
Washington - German Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the Vatican theologian who was elected Pope Benedict XVI, intervened in the 2004 US election campaign ordering bishops to deny communion to abortion rights supporters including presidential candidate John Kerry.
In a June 2004 letter to US bishops enunciating principles of worthiness for communion recipients, Ratzinger specified that strong and open supporters of abortion should be denied the Catholic sacrament, for being guilty of a "grave sin."
He specifically mentioned "the case of a Catholic politician consistently campaigning and voting for permissive abortion and euthanasia laws," a reference widely understood to mean Democratic candidate Kerry, a Catholic who has defended abortion rights.
The letter said a priest confronted with such a person seeking communion "must refuse to distribute it."
A footnote to the letter also condemned any Catholic who votes specifically for a candidate because the candidate holds a pro-abortion position. Such a voter "would be guilty of formal cooperation in evil, and so unworthy to present himself for holy communion," the letter read
The letter, which was revealed in the Italian magazine L'Espresso last year, was reportedly only sent to US Catholic bishops, who discussed it in their convocation in Denver, Colorado, in mid-June.
Sharply divided on the issue, the bishops decided to leave the decision on granting or denying communion to the individual priest. Kerry later received communion several times from sympathetic priests.
Nevertheless, in the November election, a majority of Catholic voters, who traditionally supported Democratic Party candidates, shifted their votes to Republican and eventual winner George W. Bush.
Should be...Sympathetic "Liberal" Priest EX-Priest.
There, fixed
Waiting for Kerry to comment on the new Pope.....
Right after he signs Form 180.
I don't think Kerry needs to comment. The Lord has heard enough from him.
I guess this means the former Cardinal Ratzinger was not one of the "foreign leaders in favor of John Kerry".
It is SO GREAT that the new Pope is a rat zinger!
Comment here by Teddy and Kerry
(http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1386934/posts):
From Ted "Chappaquiddick" Kennedy's senate website:
April 19, 2005
STATEMENT BY SENATOR EDWARD M. KENNEDY ON POPE BENEDICT XVI
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Laura Capps/Melissa Wagoner (202) 224-2633
A new Pope always brings new hope and inspiration to Catholics everywhere and to all peoples of good will. Vicki and I congratulate Pope Benedict XVI and pray that his pontificate will bring healing to the entire world and to all people of every faith.
10 posted on 04/19/2005 4:18:00 PM MDT by MisterRepublican
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" Like all Catholics, Teresa and I pray for the Holy Father,"
You mean like when they get down on their knees and say their bedtime prayers, just before kissing each other good night?
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