One of my favourite catholics is Nancy Pelosi. [Yes: small “c” catholic]
For those who do not know her, Nancy is a veteran US politician and former Speaker of the House of Representatives. She actively supports abortion up to the point of birth for any reason, yet claims to be a devout Catholic.
Her Archbishop, Salvatore Cordileone (Archdiocese of San Francisco) barred her from receiving Communion in 2022. Pelosi promptly ignored his authority.
It appears that she has appealed and announced that Rome is reviewing Cordileone’s decision.
Cordileone notified Pelosi in a public letter that stated: "You are not to present yourself for Holy Communion and, should you do so, you are not to be admitted to Holy Communion, until such time as you publicly repudiate your advocacy for the legitimacy of abortion and confess and receive absolution of this grave sin in the sacrament of Penance."
Cordileone invoked an obscure provision of canon law unfamiliar to many everyday Catholics. Canon 915 states: "Those who have been excommunicated or interdicted after the imposition or declaration of the penalty and others obstinately persevering in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to Holy Communion."
With her unique sense of self-worth, Pelosi publicly noted:
“I received Communion anyway. That’s his problem, not mine. My Catholic faith is, Christ is my savior. It has nothing to do with the bishops.”
Pray that Rome supports Archbishop Cordileone’s decision.
We’ll keep you posted!
PS:
It was reported today that Archbishop Broglio denied Pelosi Holy Communion at the Mass at the he celebrated in the U.S. Capitol in honor of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe yesterday, 12 December 2024.
Good man!
Kevin Hay