White House courts Catholics before Obama's meeting with Pope
CWN - July 06, 2009
In the final days before a meeting between Pope Benedict XVI and President Barack Obama, the White House has launched what journalist John Allen describes as a "charm offensive" in Rome, which is having noticeable effects. A senior cardinal and longtime papal theologian has written sympathetically (but not accurately) about Obama's approach to issues involving the dignity of human life. Other Vatican officials have suggested that they are open to Obama's appeals, but recognize the clear conflicts that are likely to persist. In Washington, President Obama's session with selected Catholic journalists produced some sympathetic stories as well as some fresh criticism. The editor of Commonweal magazine scolded conservatives for their reflexive criticism, and singled out one editor who came to the White House meeting unprepared. An analysis for America magazine was not quite so sympathetic, giving the presidential performance a grade of B.
Additional sources for this story
Some links will take you to other sites, in a new window.
- Obama charm offensive ahead of pope meeting seems to be working (National Catholic Reporter)
- Politics, morality and original sin (Cardinal Georges Cottier/30 Giorni)
- Welcome, Obama. The Vatican Plays Him a Fanfare (L'Espresso)
- Obama: Impasse on abortion legality inevitable, but reduction possible (CNS)
- Obama cites influence of Cardinal Bernardin, prepares to meet pope (CNS)
- On Catholic Journalism, Obama and Abortion (Drew Christiansen/America)
- Obama Gets a B for His Mtg with RC Press (Michael Sean Winters/America)
|
An appeal from our founder, Dr. Jeffrey Mirus: Dear reader: If you found the information on this page helpful in your pursuit of a better Catholic life, please support our work with a donation. Your donation will help us reach five million Truth-seeking readers worldwide this year. Thank you! |
Easter Campaign: Progress toward our Spring 2013 goal ($20,973 to go):
$80,000.00
$59,027.50
26%
74%
|
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
