Vatican reportedly unhappy over guest list for White House reception with Pope
September 18, 2015
Vatican officials are upset that the White House has invited a number of prominent Catholic dissenters to attend a reception for Pope Francis, according to a Wall Street Journal report.
Citing unidentified Vatican officials, Francis Rocca of the Wall Street Journal said that Church leaders were offended by a guest list that includes “transgender activists, the first openly gay Episcopal bishop and an activist nun who leads a group criticized by the Vatican for its silence on abortion and euthanasia.”
The Obama administration, which has a long history of promoting Catholics who reject Church teachings, has made public a list of invited guests that includes representatives of groups such as Dignity USA and Network—groups whose stands on homosexuality and abortion have drawn official cautions from the Vatican.
Vatican officials were reportedly concerned that photos taken during the reception on the South Lawn of the White House, showing the Pontiff in company with prominent figures who have attacked Church teachings, might be exploited to imply that the Pope was supporting the dissenters’ views.
The White House downplayed the importance of the Wall Street Journal report. Press secretary Josh Earnest remarked that there would be as many as 15,000 people at the welcoming ceremony.
The Vatican has not issued any official statement on the Journal report. Father Thomas Rosica, who works closely with the Vatican press office, pointed out on his Twitter account: “Vatican never comments on invitations of heads of state.”
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Further information:
- Vatican Disputes White House Guest List for Papal Visit (Wall Street Journal)
- White House downplays fight over LGBT guests at pope visit (Washington Examiner)
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Posted by: Bveritas2322 -
Sep. 20, 2015 12:22 AM ET USA
Apparently "feedback" believes there is equivalency between those sensible enough to not be impressed with an obviously fraudulent birth certificate and those who believe in crushing a baby.
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Posted by: -
Sep. 19, 2015 6:14 PM ET USA
I'm glad they finally saw the list and/or paid attention. Now's the time to ask for just a private meeting with the president & first lady. No photos with dissenters.
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Posted by: the.dymeks9646 -
Sep. 19, 2015 10:38 AM ET USA
The term dissent or dissidents doesn't somehow capture the full scope of these people's intentions. The description of religious anarchists is more appropriate. No dialogue is possible with them, since they have a history to the contrary. Sure, love can conquer all, but the only public display's of love that can win hearts are martyrdom. Is the Pope willing to martyr his ego, for his faithful sheep?
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Posted by: feedback -
Sep. 18, 2015 10:00 PM ET USA
This is extremely inappropriate and provocative at this level of international state relations. The Pope isn't going to match the subtlety by bringing with him to the White House people who question authenticity of the President's birth certificate, for example.
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Posted by: jeremiahjj -
Sep. 18, 2015 7:32 PM ET USA
Surprise! There is a saying: lay down with dogs and get up with fleas. The Vatican should have known the White House is no friend of traditional Christianity or its value system. There will be Muslims, gays, lesbians, anti-religionists, and loons at the reception. Just because the pope and president are on the political left doesn't mean the president is ready to embrace the Holy Father or his faith. The advantage lies with the president and the pope will have to be gracious or look foolish.
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Posted by: unum -
Sep. 18, 2015 6:35 PM ET USA
There is little question that our President is seeking to use the Pope's visit to the White House as a propaganda opportunity for the immoral lifestyles now being promoted by the left. May our Holy Father and Holy Spirit show the love of God to the sinners invited by the White House. It can't hurt the Church and may save some souls.
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Posted by: mcomstoc6740 -
Sep. 18, 2015 5:57 PM ET USA
Our Pope did not meet with dissenters in Cuba. The government officials there have more sense than ours.
