Pope Francis Challenges Obama Over Religious Liberty

Pope Francis meets with the Little Sisters of the Poor

Yesterday, in his remarks at the White House, Pope Francis said in part:

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Mr. President, together with their fellow citizens, American Catholics are committed to building a society which is truly tolerant and inclusive, to safeguarding the rights of individuals and communities, and to rejecting every form of unjust discrimination. With countless other people of good will, they are likewise concerned that efforts to build a just and wisely ordered society respect their deepest concerns and their right to religious liberty. That freedom remains one of America’s most precious possessions. And, as my brothers, the United States Bishops, have reminded us, all are called to be vigilant, precisely as good citizens, to preserve and defend that freedom from everything that would threaten or compromise it. ...

His comments were a gentle, but unmistakable challenge to the Obama administration's policies that force faithful Catholics to violate their deeply held beliefs. It is telling that Pope Francis included in his itinerary, an unscheduled visit to the Little Sisters of the Poor convent in Washington D. C. The pontiff made the visit to show support for the sisters, who are suing the federal government over the contraception mandate in the Affordable Care Act.