Looking over the stories on the Pope’s meeting with President Obama they mostly have a common thread of a genial conversation and common ground. Some go as far as mentioning their divide on life issues – but not much more than that. Some even mention the gift of “Dignitas Personae” along with the new encyclical, but not the significance.
Try the following thought experiment. Pope Benedict XVI give then-President Bush a document on just war theory. Imagine the media reaction and gloat. Yet the Pope gives the President a Vatican instruction covering the very area the President is most lacking morally and it is roundly ignored except in Catholic sources.
The same media that quotes a Vatican janitor and trumps it as “Vatican Says!” screaming across the headlines can’t seem to find the headline in this. I mean come on do I have to write it for them “Pope slams Hope!” since they are so fond of that word combo.
Update: Reuters mentions it.
In a surprise move, the pontiff gave Obama a booklet explaining Vatican opposition to practices such as abortion and embryonic stem cell research, which Obama supports.
Yes the old “Vatican position” not authentic Catholic teaching consistent with the teaching of the Catholic Church for 2000 years. I don’t expect them to say that exactly, but the whole “Vatican position” thing is pure spin. They could at least say “Catholic teaching.” They want to put this as if it is talking points to minimize this.
Also love “In a surprise move” phrase. Pretty funny if you think about it. Not only can’t you expect the “Spanish Inquisition” you also can’t suspect “Pope giving out relevant documents.”