President Biden recently made the sign of the cross, a gesture often used by Catholics before and after prayer, while listening to pro-abortion comments made by a fellow Democrat in Florida. This action came as Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried criticized an upcoming law restricting abortion to within six weeks of gestation, with Biden appearing to mock Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ efforts to limit abortion. Critics, including various Catholic groups and commentators, denounced Biden’s actions as sacrilegious and accused him of mocking Christians. Biden’s gesture was seen as a stark contrast to the Catholic Church’s strict teachings condemning abortion, and there were calls for him to be held accountable for going against the beliefs of millions of Christians in America.
Critics of Biden, who is a practicing Catholic, expressed their disappointment and called his actions despicable and an attempt to co-opt a sacred practice in support of abortion extremism. CatholicVote President Brian Burch stated that Biden’s gesture openly mocks the Christian belief in the sanctity of life, emphasizing that there is no divine support for destroying the lives of innocent children. The incident highlights a growing perception among Americans that Biden’s presentation of himself as a devout Catholic is not convincing. A recent Pew Research poll showed that only 13% of Americans consider him “very religious,” while a majority believe he is “somewhat religious” or “not at all” religious. This raises questions about the president’s alignment with the teachings of the Catholic Church, particularly on the issue of abortion.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church has long affirmed the moral evil of abortion, stating that every procured abortion is morally wrong. This teaching has remained unchanged for centuries, emphasizing the sanctity of life from conception to natural death. Critics of Biden’s actions highlighted the disconnect between his support for abortion and the foundational beliefs of millions of Christians in America. They urged him to reconsider his stance on abortion and to align his actions with the teachings of the Catholic Church. The incident also prompted discussions about the role of religion in politics and the responsibility of public figures, particularly those who identify as devout members of a faith, to uphold the principles and values of their religious beliefs in their public life.
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comments on the incident, which has escalated into a divisive issue highlighting the intersection of religion, politics, and social issues in American society. Biden’s actions have reignited debates on the role of religion in shaping public policy and the accountability of public figures who espouse religious beliefs in their decision-making. As the controversy continues to unfold, it raises questions about the authenticity of Biden’s religious beliefs and the extent to which his actions reflect his purported faith. The incident serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding the intersection of religion and politics, particularly in a diverse and pluralistic society where differing beliefs and values often clash in the public sphere.
