Will the Pope "Interfere"?

An article at Afrik.com enters into the speculation surrounding the "political" nature that the Pope's visit might be spun into. One recoils at the headline - "Pope to Interfere in U.S. Politics." The Pope isn't going to interfere.

The article claims that by stressing the Church's teaching on the sanctity of life, that the Pope will be seen as supporting a particular candidate.

Some commentators have voiced the opinion that there are no "perfect" political candidates. Others have weighed in why their particular candidate is more aligned with Church teachings. To do so is to miss the higher reason for the Pope's visit. He does not come as a politician. He comes as the leader of the Catholic Church, with a message to give to the Church and to the U.S. about our higher calling. He comes to call us back to Jesus Christ and to the ideals upon which this country was founded.

We should be grateful that the Pope has chosen to come to the U.S. during an election year. One individual I spoke with worked for the Church under the leadership of President Gerald Ford. He told me that President Ford was pressuring Washington, D.C.'s then-Cardinal Baum to have Pope Paul VI visit the U.S. According to this source, the Vatican chose not to visit largely because it was an election year. Hence, Pope John Paul II didn't come until after President Jimmy Carter was elected.

Comments

[KMB]

Ford lost the election in 1976. JPII was elected until 1978.

[Jay Anderson]

If anyone tries to turn the Pope's visit for political advantage, I'm quite sure it won't be with the Holy Father's blessing. And I certainly hope none of the candidates try to score some cheap and cynical photo op out of his visit.

As for those concerned that the Pope's emphasis on the sanctity of life will disadvantage the prospects of your party's candidate, don't blame Benedict; blame your party and its candidates for their lousy record on life issues.