Staff Reports
President Biden’s recent gesture at an abortion-rights event has caused quite a stir among some Catholics. The president, who has clashed with the Catholic Church over his pro-choice stance, was seen making the sign of the cross during the campaign stop in Florida.
During the event, Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried criticized Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis’s stance on abortion gestational limits, while President Biden made the cross symbol. This surprised some Catholics, including CatholicVote President Brian Burch, who accused the president of mocking Catholicism with his gesture.
This. Is. VILE!
President Biden makes the Sign of the Cross at an abortion rally in Florida!
You cannot be Catholic and support abortion!
You cannot invoke GOD and promote Death! pic.twitter.com/aG4P542EM0
— CatholicVote (@CatholicVote) April 23, 2024
Critics on social media also expressed disgust at the president’s gesture, with Bishop Joseph E. Strickland calling it “vile.” The Catholic Church teaches that abortion is inherently evil and should be prohibited by law, making the president’s stance on the issue a contentious one within the Catholic community.
The significance of the sign of the cross, typically used in prayer and liturgies, was questioned by some observers, with traditionalists noting that it is not commonly used in response to scandalous or appalling events. This has prompted questions about President Biden’s timing and intentions behind the gesture.
The president centered his remarks on abortion rights during the campaign stop, placing blame on former President Donald Trump for the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Florida’s upcoming heartbeat bill, which bans most abortions after six weeks’ gestation, has been a focal point of the ongoing debate.
As the issue continues to unfold, the controversy surrounding President Biden’s gesture and his stance on abortion has raised questions and sparked criticism within the Catholic community and beyond.
