Today's Washington Post examines the relationship between the incoming Obama administration and the Vatican. Seems there was just a lovefest between the Catholic hierarchy and the Bush administration. But, this all begs the question of why the Obama administration should have to worry about its relationship with the Vatican:
In the 24 years since the United States and the Holy See established full diplomatic ties, relations have never been closer or warmer than during the administration of President Bush.The old men who run the Catholic Church just love poking their noses in everybody's private business. Their opposition to stem-cell research is beyond appalling. But, there's almost nothing the Catholic hierarchy loves more than talking about the gays. They're obsessed with the gays. Obsessed. Hmmmmm. Why is that?
The two sides broke over the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, but Bush's personal esteem for popes John Paul II and Benedict XVI, and his agreement with Catholic teaching on such controversial issues as abortion, embryonic stem-cell research and same-sex marriage, have fostered a special rapport. Bush has met six times with the leader of the Catholic Church, more often than any other U.S. president.
The relationship between the Vatican and the White House is bound to change this month with the inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama, whose support for abortion rights and embryonic stem-cell research has drawn denunciations from a number of church leaders. Yet informed observers agree that both sides have strong incentives and opportunities to avoid conflict and build on the recent history of collaboration.
From my experience, American Catholics don't pay any attention to edicts from the Vatican and most ignore their local bishops, too. And, the Catholic hierarchy shouldn't be interfering with Obama's policy decisions.
