Cardinal Rebukes Guiliani: Faith & Public Figures

Recently, Cardinal Edward Egan of New York rebuked Rudy Guiliani for receiving communion at the Papal Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral. Guiliani is a public supporter of abortion, which is condemned by Roman Catholic -- and, indeed, all Christian -- doctrine. The Pope recently stated that religious faith is not simply a private aspect of one's ideology, but must -- if truly authentic -- translate into every aspect of one's life. He explicitly stated that nominally Roman Catholic politicians who publicly support abortion should refrain from receiving communion until such time as they have repented and come into accord with Christian doctrine. Guiliani ignored the pope's statements -- and apparently an understanding that he and Cardinal Egan had privately come to -- and received communion anyway. Consequently, the Cardinal has publicly rebuked Guiliani, and wishes to meet with him to discuss the matter and attempt to explain the immorality of abortion.

I am not aware of any gift-giving, but I feel it is irrelevant to the issue of whether or not the Cardinal properly exercised his authority -- and, more to the point, whether or not others should do likewise. Glad to hear you had fun, Ponce. Any pictures?