Pope Francis defends Joe Biden from calls to deny communion over abortion stance

[peppertree]

Pope Francis on Wednesday cautioned Catholic bishops not to get into politics, amid questions among conservative US elements of the church over whether pro-choice politicians like Joe Biden should be allowed to receive communion.

Francis said bishops must deal with those who support abortion rights with “compassion and tenderness.”

At the same time the pope reiterated strict church doctrine by calling abortion “murder” - even when done soon after conception.

Francis was speaking to reporters on his flight home from Slovakia, and was asked about the debate simmering among US bishops in the wake of the high-profile Texas abortion law - which Mr. Biden’s administration strongly opposes.

“The problem is not theological, it’s pastoral,” the pope said.

“How we bishops deal with this principle. We must be pastors, also with those who are excommunicated. Like God with passion and tenderness. The Bible says so.”

At: https://news.yahoo.com/pope-francis-defends-joe-biden-095350401.html

During his return flight from Slovakia on Wednesday, Pope Francis addressed the issue of communion to pro-choice public officials:

Citing historic atrocities committed by the church in the name of faith when it involved itself in politics, he asked clergy to “be pastors and not go condemning, condemning.”