Catholic News Agency reports:
On Monday at noon in Rome, the Vatican’s Press Office confirmed to CNA that Pope Benedict will be receiving U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi in an audience at noon on Wednesday.
Pelosi, a self-proclaimed “ardent Catholic” who has sparked significant criticism from fellow Catholics in the U.S. for her pro-abortion views, arrived in Italy on Sunday for an eight-day official visit…
Although numerous reports have been published either confirming or denying that Pope Benedict would receive Pelosi in an audience, the Holy See’s Press Office confirmed to CNA on Monday at noon Rome time, that the Holy Father will receive the U.S. representative on Wednesday at midday.
The press office made clear that the Pope will meet with Pelosi in his capacity as a head of state since the Speaker of the House is the third in line to lead the U.S., should the president and vice president be unable to do so.
The idea of providing Pelosi with a photo-op has disturbed a significant number of U.S. Catholics and pro-life activists…
Pelosi’s pretention at reinterpreting Catholic moral and theological teaching elicited strong criticism from more than 20 U.S. cardinals, archbishops and bishops.
More recently, Nancy Pelosi was strongly criticized for defending the insertion of millions in spending on contraceptives into the stimulus bill. Pelosi, who says she is an “ardent Catholic,” told ABC’s This Week that the money spent on family planning services would “reduce costs.” [Read More].
I’m pretty sure being third in the line of succession doesn’t qualify Pelosi as a head of state. She’s going to milk this for all the value a photo-op with the Holy Father can get her.