Cardinal Egan reprimands Giuliani for Papal Mass Communion

Photo: Giuliani in line to receive Holy Communion at Papal Mass (courtesy of AP)

Cardinal Egan released a statement today addressing the fact that Rudy Giuliani received Communion at the Papal Mass in New York. This is the first time a Cardinal, let alone a bishop, has addressed a pro-abortion Catholic politician receiving Communion since Archbishop Burke publicly stated that he would deny John Kerry Communion should he present himself in his diocese.

The following is a statement issued by Edward Cardinal Egan:

“ The Catholic Church clearly teaches that abortion is a grave offense against the will of God. Throughout my years as Archbishop of New York, I have repeated this teaching in sermons, articles, addresses, and interviews without hesitation or compromise of any kind. Thus it was that I had an understanding with Mr. Rudolph Giuliani, when I became Archbishop of New York and he was serving as Mayor of New York, that he was not to receive the Eucharist because of his well-known support of abortion. I deeply regret that Mr. Giuliani received the Eucharist during the Papal visit here in New York, and I will be seeking a meeting with him to insist that he abide by our understanding.”

Read the full story at LifeSite News and Catholic News Agency.

Reactions:

Fr. Frank Pavone: "The Catholic faith is not simply about one's private and confidential relationship with God. It's public, as evidenced by the fact that Mr. Giuliani received Communion in public. Mr. Giuliani's support of legal abortion is also public. That's why Cardinal Egan's remarks are entirely appropriate, as is his expectation that Mr. Giuliani abide by those remarks."

Judie Brown, ALL President: "Today a great blessing came to our attention as we received word of the remarkable statement of Edward Cardinal Egan, Archdiocese of New York, regarding the sacrilegious behavior of former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. When we wrote to the Archbishop several days ago asking him to address this, we were confident that he indeed would right this terrible wrong."

"American Life League is grateful to Cardinal Egan for his statement, and we are hopeful that he will reiterate the need to enforce Church law, specifically Canon Law 915, so that all of his ordained priests, deacons and Eucharistic ministers understand that no public figure who supports abortion should ever get away with such a despicable act again."

"Canon Law 915 states, 'Those ... who obstinately persist in manifest grave sin are not to be admitted to Communion.'"

"The act of abortion is a grave sin. Those who are in public life —claim to be Catholic— and support abortion are indeed persisting in a grave sin. American Life League's Crusade for the Defense of Our Catholic Church has been asking American Bishops to enforce Canon 915 since our campaign began in 2003. We are indeed gratified that Cardinal Egan has seen this as a priority as well. Protecting Christ from sacrilege is an honor and we applaud Cardinal Egan for making this clear."

My reaction: Ditto to the above. Thank you for Cardinal Egan, Lord!