The meeting between the spiritual and political leaders is on shortly. Which one is spiritual, which political? Obama has invoked Jesus more than Bush did, at this point. And with his pointed encyclical on the economy this week, Benedict ruffled some political feathers.
But the meeting at the Vatican this afternoon is fraught for Catholic conservatives in this country, as I explain in this PoliticsDaily piece:
Perhaps the only good news for conservatives was White House spokesman Robert Gibbs' preemptive declaration that Obama would not be joining a church in Italy during his visit. Gibbs was joking of course, but not everyone is laughing.So can a photo-op at the Vatican change the political dynamic in Washington?Generally speaking, that would be a stretch. But in reality there's much more going on than a friendly handshake. Ever since Obama was elected, in fact, church officials in Rome have signaled a much greater and much more public openness to Obama than church leaders in the United States. Indeed, Obama received a telegram of congratulations from Benedict on the day of his election -- "historic," the pope called it -- and the two men later chatted by phone. The Vatican daily, L'Osservatore Romano, has been almost glowing in its coverage of Obama, especially compared to the dim view of Catholic theocons, some of whom have lobbied for the L'Osservatore editor to find a new job.Such an argument would be tougher to make against Cardinal Georges Cottier, who for years was the official theologian to the papal household, meaning he vetted all papal pronouncements for orthodoxy.In a lengthy essay in a prominent Italian Catholic periodical, "30 Giorni," Cardinal Cottier rejects the talking point of Obama as "pro-abortion" and praises his "humble realism" and the president's apparent reflection of the thinking of Saint Thomas Aquinas. High praise indeed. Or, as veteran Vatican-watcher Sandro Magister put it: "Cardinal Cottier seems almost to exalt Obama as a new Constantine, the head of a modern empire that is also generous toward the Church."
Read on here...
Add to Del.icio.us
Add to Technorati
Add to Digg
Add to Newsvine
Add to Facebook
Add to StumbleUpon
Hi Jeanette,
Talk to your local parish priest after Mass or, even better, set up a meeting with one through the parish office. They will be happy to provide you with books and reading material free of charge. I'll keep you in my prayers.
JF - good comments that I don't necessarily agree with. But it sounds to me like you're holding President Obama responsible for his name being bandied about like that. As if that is something he has said he is entitled to, or that this is a way he sees himself.
I think if you read his books, or even his speeches, you will never find him referring to himself as any kind of a spiritual leader at all. You will find him referring to himself quite humbly, but with the confidence that he can do what he is seeking to do - lead our Country. Which is a secular, political job.
He most certainly discusses his spiritual life and I think that is because it is an important part of his humanity. Certainly it has been a comfort and a guide to him as he has dealt with family traumas and also the joys of a seemingly happy, healthy marriage.
As Pope Benedict is the head of the Vatican State, and President Obama is President (and head) of the US it is every bit appropriate to have their names "bandied about" together when they're meeting.
If the media lapses into hyperbole then they should be admonished, and people should have enough sense not to go there. But to blame Obama for that is simply wrong. Sorry, not trying to bust you just saying.
Take care.
Jeanette - Please DO reach out at your Parish. There are all kinds of ministries and people who are wanting to reach out to you too!
I'll surely pray for you, too!
Cindy
JF - I meant "good comments that I don't necessarily DISagree with..."
Sheesh! That's what happens when I answer the phone while typing!
Cindy-
I agree with you. I was actually somewhat unclear. I don't blame the president, I blame those who compare him to these leaders. I certainly don't criticize him for being open about his faith.
It just really annoys me when people who are supporters of President Obama, including some in the media, step over the line and begin to put him on a par with great men of faith. No politician that I know of from either party deserves that sort of praise.
Certainly as world leaders the Pope and the President should be able to meet and their interaction be discussed.
Thanks for you thoughts!
Post a Comment
By submitting these comments, I agree to the beliefnet.com terms of service, rules of conduct and privacy policy (the "agreements"). I understand and agree that any content I post is licensed to beliefnet.com and may be used by beliefnet.com in accordance with the agreements.