Francis was asked on his way home from Slovakia about a debate in the American Church about whether he was president Joe Biden and other politicians should be denied communion because of their attitude toward abortion. U.S. bishops have agreed to compile a ‘teaching document’ that many hope will resent Catholic politicians, including Biden, for receiving communion despite their support for abortion rights.
Francis refused to give a “yes” or “no,” saying he didn’t know enough about the American case. He reiterated that abortion is a “murder” and that Catholic priests cannot give the Eucharist to someone who is not in communion with the church. He cited the case of a Jew, or someone who was not baptized or apostatized from the church.
The most important thing, he said, is that priests and bishops must respond pastorally, not politically, to any problem that lies ahead. He said they must use ‘God’s style’ to accompany believers with ‘closeness, compassion and tenderness’.
‘And what should shepherds do? Be shepherds, not condemn, condemn, ‘said Francis.
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