Pope Benedict strongly rebukes Pelosi over abortion

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Comments: 90

Pope Benedict / Speaker Nancy Pelosi

Respect for Unborn Human Life: The Church’s Constant Teaching - US Bishops
Teachings of Church Fathers
Meeting with benefactors and organizers of the 23rd World Youth Day at the Reception Hall of Cathedral House and in the Chapter Hall of St. Mary's Cathedral
Address of His Holiness Benedict XVI during his meeting with organizations for inter-religious dialogue

Vatican City, Feb 18, 2009 / 10:18 am (CNA).- House speaker Nancy Pelosi’s photo-op with Pope Benedict XVI turned sour when the Pontiff used the 15-minute meeting to reaffirm the teachings of the Catholic Church on the right to life and the duty to protect the unborn.

No photo of Nancy Pelosi and the Pope will be forthcoming, since the meeting was closed to reporters and photographers. The two met in a small room in the Vatican just after the Pope's weekly public audience.

Immediately after the meeting, the Holy See’s press office released a statement saying, "following the general audience the Holy Father briefly greeted Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, together with her entourage."

"His Holiness took the opportunity to speak of the requirements of the natural moral law and the Church's consistent teaching on the dignity of human life from conception to natural death which enjoin all Catholics, and especially legislators, jurists and those responsible for the common good of society, to work in co-operation with all men and women of good will in creating a just system of laws capable of protecting human life at all stages of its development."

A significant number of Catholic and pro-life organizations expressed concern over how Pelosi would use the meeting with Pope Benedict to further her position that it is possible to be Catholic and pro-abortion.

Last August, Pelosi was rebuked by several U.S. bishops for attempting to theologically justify her position during an interview with "Meet the Press."

On Tuesday, Jon O’Brien, president of "Catholics for Choice," a small, well-funded organization that provides theological arguments to pro-abortion Catholic politicians, told The Hill that today’s visit between the Speaker and Pope Benedict would be an opportunity to highlight that one can be pro-choice and Catholic, and that there are much bigger issues out there to discuss, such as the fate of the poor in the global economic downturn.

"That would be a real conversation about choice, instead of this micro-obsession with abortion," O’Brien said.

Nevertheless, according to the Holy See's statement, the Pope spent the whole 15 minute conversation talking with Pelosi about the right to life and the need to defend the unborn.

A spokesman for Pelosi, who is now headed to Southern Italy as part of her Italian tour, said she would issue a statement later in the day regarding her meeting with the Pope.

Comments: 90

Subscriber comments:

Published by: Thanh Quang
Oklahoma City, OK 02/27/2009 11:49 AM EST

I would like to quote the number 1738 from the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
"....Every human person, created in the image of God, has the natural right to be recognized as a free and responsible being. All owe to each other this duty of respect. The right to the exercise of freedom, especially in moral and religious matters, is an inalienable requirement of the dignity of the human person. This right must be recognized and protected by civil authority within the limits of the common good and public order."
I pray and hope that the 'Speaker Nancy Pelosi' reads this and understands her own life....
thanks

Published by: KevinS
Pewamo/MI/USA 02/23/2009 09:37 AM EST

In response to CL's comment, I appreciate your reminder to love all as it is very important and vital to being a good Chrisitan and Catholic and we all need to keep that in mind. This said, you might want to check scripture about accepting all or qualify that statement. The greatest way to show love for others is helping to lead them to heaven. This is (only) accomplished by doing God's will and turning away from sin. The greatest love we can show fellow man is to support and help them realize, repent and turn away from sin, never by accepting their sin in the name of love. This I believe was the Pope's message to N. Pelosi. Is she a terrible person? No just terribly off track on this subject!
Now she has it from the highest authority in (her) church that she is wrong! It's here move will she be so arrogant to not heed his warning or will she change he ways?

Published by: Donald Tobkin
Detroit Lakes MN - USA 02/22/2009 02:20 PM EST

It's predictable. When a citizen chooses to be a pro-abortion believer, he or she forfeits their thinking processes to be irrational, incoherent, illogical and well-separated from everyday common sense. Ms. Pelosi went to meet the Pope and she was clueless about the prospect of being told the truth about the centuries-old teachings of our Roman Catholic faith community concerning Respect for Life. And after the meeting, Ms. Pelosi remains just as clueless with respect to rational, logical, coherent, common sense thinking. The woman does not have a clue!!

Published by: Meg Francisco
Bangkok, Thailand 02/21/2009 12:58 AM EST

I doubt that the Holy Father would have "strongly rebuked" Speaker Pelosi. Gentle admonition, yes, but nothing more harsh. I would have said something positive about Speaker Pelosi's humility about visiting the Pope, knowing that she would have to examine her conscience for it, but I decided not to. I was disheartened by her press statement, which did not mention anything about the spiritual direction she received.

Published by: Frank
St. Petersburg, FL USA 02/20/2009 07:47 PM EST

Abortion is murder.

Thou shalt not kill.

Nor shalt thou enable those who kill - including doctors, nurses, and pregant women.

This is not difficult to understand, people. There is nothing the Pope could or should say on this matter. It doesn't matter why a woman is pregnant, or how inconveneint or expensive it will be to give birth. All we do by looking the other way when abortions happen is to condone it with our silence.

Blood is on OUR hands when we do nothing.

As Pam Stenzel so eloquently says(Catholic woman, whose mother was raped but had her baby girl anyway): "I didn't deserve the death penalty for the sins of my father."

Protect life in all its forms. God Bless His Holy Catholic Church.

Published by: Joseph F. O'Connor
Chicago, IL 02/20/2009 06:58 PM EST

In response to CL about embracing those with whom we disagree, this comment shows the habit of the incomplete thought. Tolerance means tolerance of what, everything? "Don't be judgmental" is another example of point of view. Do we want people to be incapable of making judgments? Social engineering is vocabulary engineering by means of an incomplete sentence. If one wants to convey the idea that one should be compassionate and respectful of a person's dignity, say so. In so doing, I do not have to "love" and "tolerate" the erroneous views being espoused by my adversary.

Published by: Bob P
Greensboro 02/20/2009 05:02 PM EST

I appreciate the heartfelt responses to my post. In order to clarify my position I would ask: what is the goal? If it is to reduce the number of abortions in America, is there a better way of going about it? I am not offering a solution merely suggesting that what we're doing now aint working - it's making people on both sides of the issue dig in their heels. Abortion is a social ill that will never go away entirely - one is not Pro-choice by recognizing that fact. Can we not craft a message that will result in fewer abortions or will we continue to alienate our target market with condemnation?

Published by: CL
TX 02/20/2009 12:56 PM EST

Rate: Regular

Catholic means universal that we accept all and love all. Open your hearts and accept everyone, not just the ones that believe like you.

Published by: Sandy
St. Louis, MO 02/20/2009 12:15 PM EST

Someone might want to tell "bob P" that there is no such thing as a "Pro Choice Catholic". If you are Pro-Abortion you are no long Catholic.

Published by: Bob A
Florissant, Missouri USA 02/20/2009 10:47 AM EST

In response to Bob P, when Jesus walked this earth there were plenty of people who thought He should have done things differently. Jesus taught and told it like it was and you either accept and follow His teachings or you do something else, we all have free wills and Jesus does not force anyone to follow Him. By the way we all remember, the politicians of his time killed Him because he helped and loved people. He never did anything to hurt anyone!!! I agree with the POPE, who represents Christ here and now. He is responsible for making sure Jesus' teachings continue today!! We mere mortals must always remember God does not think like humans, He thinks like GOD!!

Published by: JPM
Ireland 02/20/2009 10:28 AM EST

I am thrilled that our Pope has taken such a strong line with her over this fundimental tenet of our faith. It's about time our shepherds stood up for our faith and not be cowed by the scandals and the liberal, secular agenda. Life is Life - no compromise!

Published by: Michael O'Connor
west babylon,NY,USA 02/20/2009 10:18 AM EST

The only freedom of choice is the choice to do right or wrong..Hopefully N.Pelosi repents for her misguided ways,and governs acording to her faith as a Catholic.

Published by: bjcass
Mooresville,NC 02/19/2009 11:00 PM EST

BobP/Greensboro-With all due respect,you appear to suggest that "confrontation" or what you view as "polarization" is not warranted and clearly makes you uncomfortable.Abortion is intrinsically evil and that basic reality and truth has been reaffirmed again and again.Abortion is both a moral and human rights issue.To suggest we go along to get along makes no sense.With that logic,African Americans
would still be attending segregated schools.We can`t ignore a holocaust or try to put a happy face on the destruction of our innocent unborn because some in our society disagree with our fundamental belief in the right to life.If some are "weary" of the battle,they may wish to revitalize their commitment by reflecting again on the
cost of failure.

Published by: Patricia Croteau
Greenville, S.C. USA 02/19/2009 08:40 PM EST

Nancy Pelosi seems to forget that she was educated by the School Sisters of Notre Dame in Towson, MD and she has received the most valuable principles re: abortion. Shame on you, Nancy! You know better.

Published by: Bob P
Greensboro 02/19/2009 04:05 PM EST

Rate: Regular

I realize that this forum is likely to have a particular bias but as a lifelong Catholic I am concerned that the way the Church is pursuing life issues is not really furthering its cause. Nancy Pelosi is a lightning rod for all conservatives, not just Catholics so don't get too excited. She may not represent you but she continues to represent a whole lot of Californians. Abortion is not going away. Roe V Wade is not likely to be overturned. The fact that Catholics voted for Obama in large numbers should signal to the Church that even the faithful are weary of the Church's polarizing position on life issues. We may be right but we're not winning many converts. Isn't there a better way to win hearts and minds other than confrontation?

Published by: Mario
Malta 02/19/2009 03:42 PM EST

Nancy Pelosi tried unsuccessfully to recruit Pope Benedick to her bandwagon.The Holy Father lectured Pelosi on our duty to defend the inviolability of life.

As was the Pope's obbligation, he reaffirmed the teaching of the Catholic Church on the right to life and the duty to protect the unborn. The Holy Father reminded me of what Saint John Bosco used to say namely "I do not fear at all what men can do to me for speaking the truth.I only fear what God would do to if I were to lie".

Thank you Holy Father!

Published by: jack e boucher
Silver Spring MD 02/19/2009 01:31 PM EST

Rate: Very Good

Pelosi must not be a mother. No legitimate mother could be pro choice...which woman CAN choose an still be
Catholic. They can say NO~! The miracle of birth is God-given and should be treated with restraint and respect.
Wanna play games? try parcheesi! Nancy!~ you wanna be prochoice? try some other religion...you're not an acceptable Catholic!

Published by: Mary
Nashville, TN, USA 02/19/2009 12:54 PM EST

Rate: Excellent

Thank you Holy Father. And thank you for preempting Ms Pelosi's desire for a photo of herself with Benedict to set on her office desk. I hope that the Church begins to speak out much more firmly to politicians who use their positions of power and influence to mislead others.

Published by: BCD
England 02/19/2009 11:23 AM EST

Thank God for BXVI!
This is good for ALL English-speaking countries/politicians/voters who care to listen.
Now bring on Obama....

Published by: Diane
Cadott, WI USA 02/19/2009 10:29 AM EST

Yeah for the Pope! But
will she, or will she
not, be a pro-life activist now...or is it all words for her?
Pro-death people are mighty bull-headed. For many, Jesus Christ himself wouldn't get them to change their minds. I often wonder what they will do when they stand before our
Lord one day, trying to explain why they chose murder over life.

Published by: Esther Carmany
Marysville, Ohio, USA 02/19/2009 10:00 AM EST

The Bible says, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked."

Published by: CA
Stamford/CT 02/19/2009 09:42 AM EST

I wonder if Jon O'Brien remembers that JPII chastised the American Bishops for turning the universal church into a church of and for the poor only, thereby allowing the likes of the Kennedys, Pelosis and Kerrys to go unevangelized or MIS evangelized by the likes of Curran and Drinan.

Published by: Deacon David Shrader
NH, USA 02/19/2009 08:34 AM EST

The Pope's reported position is much stronger than anti-abortion! It is 100% PRO-LIFE from conception to natural death. It is NOT a single issue! It is a MORAL Principle to affirmm LIFE.

Published by: Mark
Taiwan 02/19/2009 04:39 AM EST

I thank God that we have a courageous pope. I pray that Speaker Pelosi will have a conversion experience.

Published by: Rose
IL 02/19/2009 01:39 AM EST

Pelosi & O'Brien do not get Christianity: we are our brother's keeper--from the womb to the tomb & beyond, when we pray for souls.

Thanks, Holy Father! We are truly blessed to have you guarding & teaching our beautiful Catholic Faith.

Published by: Virginia Carter
B.I. Wa. USA 02/19/2009 12:53 AM EST

Life is truly a miracle and a gift from God. Why is so hard to understand that life starts at conception? If you don't belive so, then go to another organization that swits your thinking. Do not try to change what God started. Please Catholics search the teachings of the church.

Published by: Julie
Sterling/VA/USA 02/18/2009 10:42 PM EST

Our Holy Father is just that-our father, who is holy. Nancy P. is one of his very misguided daughters. I suspect he spoke to her firmly with love and tenderness. Truth is truth whether she believes it or not. No matter what the Pope said I am sure she felt the presence of God while with him. She will never forget that meeting. Hopefully her conscience will eventually convict her of her blindness. God's got His hand in this! Keep praying for her to see the light.

Published by: 'Dumebi Atta
Imola/Bologna/Italy 02/18/2009 09:49 PM EST

N.Pelosi is remains in my estimation a total disappointment to the Catholic Church,and one cannot be happy enough,that the Pope reminded her of that.We hope Pelosi will have a change of heart,except if she chooses to re remain an 'ardent non-Catholic'

Published by: WL
US 02/18/2009 07:45 PM EST

I wouldn’t exactly call the Pope’s meeting a ‘rebuke.’ Benedict educated Pelosi as Jesus commanded St. Peter (“Feed My sheep). Now she, Biden, and all the rest have no excuse for pretending the Church is ambiguous on when life begins or misleading the public about Church teaching.

Regarding excommunication, Pelosi has already excommunicated herself with her unrepentant pro-murder position. It disturbs me that some commenters here think the Pope should take further action on excommunication. No Christian should ever desire a soul to be separated from Christ. Rather, we should pray for a conversion of heart for Pelosi and those like her – not only for the obvious sake of the unborn, but for their own sakes, as well. If the Holy Spirit raised Christ from the dead, He can certainly speak to Nancy Pelosi.

Published by: Rich Newhouse
Phoenix,Az. USA 02/18/2009 06:30 PM EST

The ball is truly in the court of her Bishop in San Francisco to formally excommunicate Ms. Pelosi if she will not recant and change her ideologies. Anything less is a failure to "Feed My Sheep" in Petrine doctrine. The TRUTH must will out. To not act is true cowardice and should result in the Bishops removal.

Published by: Barbara Zaccaria-Kutchuk
Webster, NY 02/18/2009 06:03 PM EST

I believe that all Bishops and Priests should take a strong stand against those in Government that are voting for Abortion.

Published by: Jay
Alexandria/Mn/USA 02/18/2009 05:40 PM EST

Life, life, life! Praise be God!

Published by: Margarett
Baltimore MD. USA 02/18/2009 05:37 PM EST

GOOD FOR YOU POPE BENIDICT. We will pray for the poor lady and her misguided friends and for a convertion to see the error of her ways and stop abortion.

Published by: Cl-Marie
Sacramento, CA USA 02/18/2009 05:23 PM EST

I am so glad for the teaching that was given to Rep. Pelosi. Hopefully the work of the Holy Spirit will be able to bear fruit in this matter in Rep. Pelosi's life. Thank-you Pope Benedict XVI and all thanks be to God!!

Published by: Dan
Santa Fe/NM/US 02/18/2009 05:22 PM EST

'catholics for Choice' and other such non-Catholic groups should be attacked on all fronts for the evil that they are---thank you Holy Father for correcting Ms. Pelosi. Thank God these 'ardent' Catholics are getting told the truth---there is hope they will change masters and join the Pro-Life, Pro-Christian Churches in line with Jesus on this defining issue of Life.

Published by: Meghan Rogers
Pompano FL 02/18/2009 05:16 PM EST

Pelosi is a disgrace to all Catholics, myself included. She has personally caused funding for millions of abortions throughout the world.
She approves children be given contraceptives in school without parents knowledge. She endorses children having abortions without parental knowledge. I CANNOT BELIEVE HER CHURCH ALLOWS HER TO PARTAKE OF COMMUNION.

Published by: Betty Jancosek
Boulder, CO USA 02/18/2009 04:59 PM EST

Rate: Excellent

I was confident that the Pope would be firm with N. Pelosi. I only pray she will have a
change of heart. She needs our prayers--she is in the midst of a sea of pro-choice colleagues.

Published by: Frances Boudreaux
Hot Springs Village Arkansas 02/18/2009 04:54 PM EST

I am appalled at so many so-called Catholics such as Nancy Pelosi, who continue to disgrace our religion that we work so hard to represent as Christ would have us. I am in favor of ex-communicating all of those who are pro-choice. They are guilty of killing the uborn and they should not be allowed to call themselves Catholic. They are a disgrace to Holy Catholic Church.

Published by: MICHAEL LATO
SYDNEY/AUSTRALIA 02/18/2009 04:46 PM EST

Clearly Jon O'Brien had no right to pre-empt the outcome of the meeting between the Pope and Nancy Pelosi.

Pope Benedict is to be congratulated for once again reaffirming the Church's position on the unborn's right to life.

Published by: Mike Austen
Pembroke, ON, Canada 02/18/2009 04:42 PM EST

Of note, the Press Office of the Holy See released a statement about the meeting BEFORE Pelosi's entourage did. I think Vatican communications has learned much from being manipulated in the past and now Pelosi's official statement has to contend with the fact that News Media got the Vatican's side of the story first.

A solid victory for Mother Church and the pro-life effort. Remain steadfast and don't celebrate too much.

Published by: paul
san martin, ca 02/18/2009 04:38 PM EST

Rate: Excellent

Such incredible arrogance to believe she can "play" the Holy Father to project an image of tacit approval for her position.

Published by: Laura Schuck
Prosper, TX USA 02/18/2009 04:33 PM EST

Thanks God our prayers have been answered today. Thank you Mother Thrice Admirable, Queen and Victress of Schoenstatt for praying for us and with us.
Queen of Victorious Confidence,We Rejoice and go forth!!
Open wide to us your heart and the heart of your Son Jesus.

Published by: Michael Hartin
Milwaukee,WI U.S.A. 02/18/2009 04:32 PM EST

Let Pelosi and all secularized Catholics understand "THIS IS PETER AND WE STAND WITH HIM, THE VICAR OF CHRIST!"

Published by: Mario
Malta 02/18/2009 04:20 PM EST

Thank you Holy Father for reaffirming the teaching of the Catholic Church on the right to life and our duty to protect the unborn.
Did Pelosi get Pope Benedict's message loud and clear? I hope and pray that Pelosi seriously reflects on the Pope's message and change her pro-abortion position.

Published by: Dr. W. Luckey
Front Royal, VA 02/18/2009 04:13 PM EST

It is great that the Holy Father has restated the Truth to Pelosi's face, but for her to accept, she would have to do violence to herself to change her public views, seeing that she represents San Francisco. She would be out of office as per the next election. So, for how much would one be willing to sell one's soul? San Francisco?

Published by: Raymond Peringer
Toronto, Canada 02/18/2009 04:13 PM EST

What did Pelosi expect from her visit, a gold star for saving lives? I hope the Holy Father gave her a well-deserved tongue lashing. The Pope is far too charitable towards Catholic politicians who contort logic to justify abortion.

Published by: Dorothy Heberlein
La Crosse, WI USA 02/18/2009 04:12 PM EST

Thank You, God, for our precious Holy Father. I am so grateful that there was no picture of them together. I pray that she will be touched by the Presence of our Holy Father and the Eternal Truth which flows through him. God bless and protect America!

Published by: Deacon John T. Wren
Oil City, Pa. USA 02/18/2009 04:06 PM EST

I will be looking forward what Ms Pelosi has to say though I dread the thought of her thrillish voice. Certainly she will try to put her spin on it. But I am sure in her opinion the Pope is wrong. Her thoughts not mine. Thank you Holy Father for doing what I knew you would do. Speak the truth but those who don't won't hear it anyways.

Published by: james fournier
Bend, Ore 97701 02/18/2009 03:58 PM EST

It would be helpful if a transcript of the popes comments were published, or if not that, at least a summary of his comments with supporting biblical cites and early Church fathers cites, if any were used by the pope.

Published by: Therese More
Alpine, CA USA 02/18/2009 03:55 PM EST

The truth is the truth is the turth: the mind's ascent to reality. What we choose to do with this fact is up to us. Go Il Papa!

Published by: Jeffrey
Portland,Maine.04104 02/18/2009 03:52 PM EST

Now She chooses to be a True Committed Pro Life,Pro Family True Church Teaching and,Church Beliving Roman Catholic Church,or she needs not to Claim,her self as a True Roman Catholic,She has to Awnser to the Lord if she Recieves Holy Communion,without 1st.
RePenTing and going for a Full Very Highly Excellent Very Good,Con
fession!!!!!!!!!!!....

Published by: Rory Flick
California 02/18/2009 03:49 PM EST

It is a wonderful thing to see a "head of state" put in there place in regard to trying to warp the truth. 1 Jer 5 . People like Nancy Pelosi, who mis-represent the church are deceivers who are under an agenda not of God. They are the cause of all the mis-conceptions of The Church and teachings.
I wouldn't be surprized at all if Pelosi were to warp the truth of her rebuke. Even outright lie about it. And for that she would need to be PUBLICALLY rebuked by all U.S. Catholics. Perhaps a petition, if you will, demanding her exclusion from receiving Communion. As well as all so called Catholics who support abortion. As a Catholic Community, that is our responsibility. Once again, 1 Jer 5 God's words "I knew you before I FORMED YOU IN THE WOMB.".

Published by: Fr John Grimm
South Orange , NJ, USA 02/18/2009 03:23 PM EST

"They would not listen even if One was to come back from the dead." But she's now unequivocally been put on notice.

Published by: Tom Perna
Steubenville, OH, USA 02/18/2009 03:22 PM EST

Pope Benedict XVI Rocks! That is what we have come to expect from the Petrine Office - Truth with Boldness guided by the Holy Spirit.

Published by: BOB
Tallahassee, FL 02/18/2009 03:17 PM EST

Good for the Pope!! He put Pelosi in her place, although I doubt she'll listen. One can only pray. Now if the Pope would do something about holocaust-denying bishops. Like abortion, it was one if not the most evil acts man has ever commented against other men. There is no room in the church for anyone to deny this evil.

The Pope should get busy excommunicating along with "Catholics for Choice." lol

Published by: James McCaffrey
Dunkirk, Md. USA 02/18/2009 03:02 PM EST

You think this is good wait till God talks to her when she is standing in front of Him.

Published by: David C Roberts
Rushville, IN USA 02/18/2009 02:54 PM EST

Thank God our Pope put Pelosi in her place. I hate the way she spins Holy Scripture to try to justify her position on abortion. But then consider who she represents in Congress.

Published by: Sunny Turner
Tucson, AZ USA 02/18/2009 02:48 PM EST

Thank you, Pope Benedict! All true American Catholics are praying that your courage and obedience to the Truth will give our American clergy the courage to address the corruption of our politicians who use their phony "Catholic" connection and bogus "ardent Catholic" persona and reveal them as public sinners in direct disobedience and opposition to the tenets of the Catholic Faith they use for gaining trust and votes.

Published by: WL
US 02/18/2009 02:40 PM EST

I haven't always been enamored with this Pope, but he is now doing exactly what the Pope SHOULD be doing -- leading the Church and teaching! God bless him!

8-24-2008 Meet the Press--
Brokaw: "Help me out here, Madame Speaker. When does life begin?"
Pelosi: "I would say that as an ardent, practicing Catholic, this is an issue that I have studied for a long time. And what I know is, over the centuries, the doctors of the church have not been able to make that definition." "So again, over the history of the church, this is an issue of controversy."

Surely even an 'ardent practicing Catholic' like Pelosi can understand 'all stages of development.'

Published by: Marta
Columbus, Ohio 02/18/2009 02:37 PM EST

Good for the Pope and good for the Church in America! Nancy Pelosi, a politician, thought she could educate the Pope, a theological genius!? That has been the problem with many Americans for years - some think that everything is subject to a vote!

Published by: Nancy
Fairfield, CA USA 02/18/2009 02:33 PM EST

What a wonderful Pope!!
Perhaps the Holy Father reminded Ms. Pelosi of her responsibility, first as a Catholic, then as a person in power - power which she received and is allowed to exercise by the generosity of God - to perform her duties in alignment with the teachings of the Magisterium for the good of her own soul as well as for the good of the people that are affected by her words and actions.
We need to continue praying that Ms. Pelosi and her group will have a "Change of Heart".

Published by: Pam
Longmont, CO, USA 02/18/2009 02:19 PM EST

Praise the Lord and the Pope!!

Oh how I would have loved to have heard the conversation, especially that of Pelosi's. Just how does one attempt to justify any position condoning the mass murder of the unborn to the Holy Father?

It will be interesting to hear Pelosi's "spin" on her meeting with the Pope. What she says will be an inflection point not for her political life but for her mortal life. Will she take the opportunity to do what is right?

Unlike the aborted babies who are given no choice, Pelosi has always had the choice to do the right thing but instead has sold out for money, power and position. Well Nancy, the sobering truth is in the end you can't take money, power and position with you.

Published by: Joan
NJ, USA 02/18/2009 02:14 PM EST

Way to go BXVI!

Published by: Joan L. Roccasalvo
Bronx 02/18/2009 02:10 PM EST

Why did Mrs. Pelosi put herself in "the eye of the storm?" Did she not know that the Holy Father would reprimand her? What did she hope to gain from the audience?

Published by: Paul Myers
Auburn,CA\USA 02/18/2009 02:01 PM EST

One is reminded of the Hillary Clinton visit to Mother Teresa. Dear Lord, help us save the unborn.

Published by: jack e boucher
Silver Spring MD 02/18/2009 02:00 PM EST

Does Pelosi have any children?If she does, how can she be pro-choice? She should know better! Was her mother pro-choice? One cannot be Catholic and pro-choice. She should be excommunicated. Women CAN BE PRO-CHOICE, they can say NO!

Published by: Louise
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 02/18/2009 01:59 PM EST

Thank God for our Pope.

Published by: HOPE F.
VA/USA 02/18/2009 01:45 PM EST

I can't imagine Pelosi's spokesman issuing any statement in defense of the unborn -- I hope the Vatican stresses more what the pope told her.
I wish the pope had excommunicated her! I wonder if she would even care.

Published by: Claudia
Buzzards Bay/MA/USA 02/18/2009 01:37 PM EST

Go Pope Benedict!!

Published by: Grace Alvarez
Twain Harte, CA USA 02/18/2009 01:34 PM EST

Hopefully Madame Pelosi will take her Pontif's words to heart.

Published by: Julie Axe
San Francisco, CA/USA 02/18/2009 01:33 PM EST

Speaker Pelosi's arrogance is beyond words! Our Lord puts kings (and queens) in power and He also takes them down. As much as I would like to see this woman be put in her place, I know the Lord wants me to pray for her soul!

Published by: DK
PA 02/18/2009 01:32 PM EST

How wonderful of the Pope to reaffirm the dignity of life from birth to death to Pelosi. She has no excuse now to say that the Church teaching allows abortion.

Published by: Bob Creedon
Palmdale, CA / USA 02/18/2009 01:27 PM EST

Rate: Excellent

It is good to be reaffirmed that our Pope would rebuke Mrs Pelosi. Now, we can pray that his message has good effect. I can't help but be skeptical,though. I guess we'll see in her 'statement' whether or not she decides to put a liberal, pro abortion spin on the meeting.

Published by: Anne Archer
Fern Park FL USSA 02/18/2009 01:25 PM EST

Rate: Excellent

Thank you Holy Father!!!!!

Published by: Bart Trudeau
Latham, NY 02/18/2009 01:23 PM EST

Praise God for the awesome leader He has given us in Pope Benedict XVI

Published by: Pat Rutter
GrassValley,CA USA 02/18/2009 01:19 PM EST

Rate: Excellent

I am thrilled that Pope Benedict spoke to her directly about the 'life' issue that she cannot process. I pray it makes a difference in her own life. I have my doubts on this account. Keep praying the Rosary.

Published by: Cathy
USA 02/18/2009 12:53 PM EST

May Jesus Christ be praised!

Published by: Jairo Castillo
Canovanas, PR 02/18/2009 12:49 PM EST

This pope is the best! He had the courage to confront a liberal catholic with the truth of God. Just like St. Peter in the Act of the Apostles. Thanks to God!!!

Published by: Chris
Colorado 02/18/2009 12:47 PM EST

Rate: Excellent

I think that Pelosi and other so called Catholics who are pro-abortion ought to be excommunicated as their beliefs are not in communion with that of the church.

Published by: Mike Monohon
Royal Oak MI 02/18/2009 12:24 PM EST

Well if Jon O'Brien President of Catholics for Choice had done his homework he would recall our Holy Father has recently implied the reason for the downturn is poor treatment of the less fortunate. The true conversation is really whether our Catholic in universal name only anti-life neighbors will start doing some research and update their views to the truth which never changes and has no other versions of it. Abortion IS the major point in the causes of economic chaos. Killing innocent children – a micro-obsession? It appears quite clearly our neighbor has their definitions of good and evil mixed up within.

Published by: Ciaran Butler
Ireland 02/18/2009 12:15 PM EST

Fair play to Pope Benedict XVI for showing Pelosi that the Catholic Church is a Pro-Life Church!

Published by: Anne
Phila., Pa. USA 02/18/2009 11:50 AM EST

Thank God and God Bless the Pope, I had much faith that he would re-enforce church teaching. Now let's see if Ms. Pelosi heard and understood his message. Or if she will tell lies using the usual liberal rhetoric.

Published by: Catholic Chamber
Los Angeles/CA/USA 02/18/2009 11:49 AM EST

One obvious point that has come out of the Pope's meeting with Nancy is that: Catholic Christians have always had the choice, with God-given Free Will, to entrust the earthly happiness of their mortal beings and the eternal happiness of their immortal souls to the fallible postulations of self-proclaimed "pop popes" like O'Brien, or in the truthful teachings and loving care of Mother Church under the infallible leadership of Vicars of Christ on Earth like Pope Benedict XVI. The obvious question is, then: Why would any thinking human being choose to follow O'Brien? Who is he anyway?

Published by: Mike
Cheyenne/WY/USA 02/18/2009 11:40 AM EST

Pope Benedict rocks!

Published by: Amy
United States 02/18/2009 11:33 AM EST

AMEN!!!! Did she actually think he was just going to beam for the camera, while she persists in her foolish meandering toward eternal punishment? Did she think her presence was as a sacrament?

Published by: Barbara
Idaho USA 02/18/2009 11:24 AM EST

One wonders of Pelosi has a sour taste in her mouth.
Will Pelosi, like Clinton, lie about what was said in their meeting?

Published by: Lily
SLC, UT USA 02/18/2009 11:22 AM EST

This is very good news! Now if she doesn't change her stance, then her Bishop or Archbishop can publicly excommunicate her without qualm.

Published by: Terri
Maine 02/18/2009 11:20 AM EST

Never underestimate the Holy Father. My guess is he has quietly put the Speaker in her place and given her a little something to think about.

Published by: Linda Simpleman
Colorado Springs, Colorado USA 02/18/2009 11:15 AM EST

Thank God for our Pope! Let the record show that it is not right to support Pro-Choice and be Catholic.

Published by: LEM
Woodstock, MD USA 02/18/2009 10:48 AM EST

I would love to know what he said. I wonder if she was excommunicated along with her band of merry "Catholics for Choice" group. You would think that if the succesor of St. Peter told you that you are wrong, you would listen. It's so Sad! Pray for the poor lady and her misguided friends.

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