POTUS & the Pope | National Catholic Reporter

POTUS & the Pope | National Catholic Reporter by MSW.  MGB: I suspect this could have waited until Wednesday, although the Parker column may be why we are jump starting this issue now.  Still, it is an interesting question.  One would hope that Obama, who is a constitutional law professor, will explain the ins and outs of why abortion is and must be legal in the United States - something that Benedict, Francis and MSW don't seem to understand.  I suspect that this issue will be part of the briefing Francis receives, whether he wants to raise the issue or not.  Or they could talk about war and peace issues - from Syria and Egypt to Ukraine and Crimea.  I am not sure whether either Obama or Francis knew Cardinal Bernardin, but if they both did they will probably share a few laughs.  Indeed, Francis may just question Obama about his time in Chicago Catholic Social Services.  Because they are both rather nice guys, I don't see an argument breaking out, as Francis is not Benedict - who was compelled to give Obama his encyclical rather as a scold.  Whatever happens, the right wingers will be grinding there teeth at the meeting - and will be apoplectic if it is seen to go well.  The punch lilne is that even if Obama were convinced by Francis on the abortion issue, such a change of heart would have absolutely no impact at all on policy because this policy is not in Obama's purview (except for fundraising).  While Obama might seek a different national abortion law, it could not do much in comparison with the status quo and would not make the Trap Laws in Virginia or Texas any less unconstituional.