Sue L. asks: I saw on the news the other day that Pope Francis blessed Joe Biden and his administration, isn’t that being a hypocrite when we all know that that man believes in late term abortion?
Father Pete: Good question. Technically, to my understanding it was not a blessing. The Pope congratulated the president-elect as most world leaders congratulate new world leaders. This congratulation would not include an endorsement of the president-elect’s policies.
To my knowledge, no world leader agrees and promotes all of the Church’s teachings on faith and morals. Also, a hypocrite is one who does not practice what he preaches. In this case the Pope is greeting a new president. Jesus tells us to even love our enemies and bless our persecutors. Certainly, the Pope is practicing the gospel that he teaches so well.
+Love Fr. Pete