The White House on Friday tried to downplay the controversy surrounding its invitations for the pope’s U.S. visit next week, which include transgender activists, the first openly gay Episcopal bishop, and an activist nun who leads a group that disagrees with the Vatican on abortion and euthanasia.
Presidential press secretary Josh Earnest was asked if the White House was trying to use its invitations to send a message to the Catholic church about LGBT issues. But Earnest sidestepped the question, and instead stressed that there will be up to 15,000 people invited to the White House’s South Lawn and the Ellipse next week for the pope’s visit.
“There’s been overwhelming interest in attending that ceremony and we’ve worked with some religious organizations, including Catholic organizations” on the invitations, Earnest said. “We would expect a wide variety of Americans who are enthused about the ability to see the pope.”
“I think that reflects the pope’s stature…and the way that he has inspired so many Americans, including those of who are not Catholic,” Earnest continued. “I would expect the diversity of the crowd reflects the diversity of those in this country who are moved by the actions of this pope.”
The Wall Street Journal Friday morning reported that the Vatican has taken offense at the Obama administration’s decision to invite the transgender activists, the openly gay Bishop and the activist nun.
Citing a Vatican official, the paper reported that the Holy See worries that any photos of the pope with these guests at the White House welcoming ceremony could be interpreted as an endorsement of their activities.
