[DManA]

All talk. Never happens.

[Maine Mariner]

Yes, I remember this discussion shortly after Roe V Wade.
That was 1972. If anything, it is much less likely now.
I believe that Knights of Columbus has taken some actions against pro-choice Catholics but that has been about it.

[quadrant]

Possibly, but substance might be behind the statement. If the statement is true, excommunication is aimed at one man: Edward Kennedy. He has been a leader in the pro-abortion movement, but remains within the Catholic Church. He is old and sick; death will come within a couple of years at most. I believe the Pope wants to demonstrate that no one or no family - however prominent, powerful. or wealthy - can flout the doctrines of the Catholic Church without facing the consequences.