President Biden's gesture at a campaign rally in Tampa, Florida, where he made the Sign of the Cross while supporting abortion rights, has ignited criticism from religious leaders and pro-life advocates.
President Biden's decision to make the Sign of the Cross at a campaign rally in Tampa, Florida, where he expressed opposition to abortion restrictions, has sparked outrage among religious leaders and pro-life advocates.
As Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikki Fried criticized Governor Ron DeSantis's tightening of the state's abortion ban, Biden performed the traditional Christian gesture by touching his forehead, chest, and shoulders.
The Sign of the Cross is an ancient expression of piety used for blessings, forgiveness, and protection from temptation. CatholicVote President Brian Burch denounced Biden's use of the gesture in support of abortion rights, labeling it "a disgusting insult."
"The Sign of the Cross is a sacred gesture used by believers to bless themselves, ask forgiveness, or to protect them from temptation," Burch said. "Instead, Biden has turned this ancient Christian practice into an endorsement of abortion extremism."
Biden has frequently emphasized his Catholic identity during his presidential campaigns, but his support for abortion rights has drawn criticism from church leaders.
Last week, Bishop Robert Gruss of the Diocese of Saginaw in Michigan accused Biden of "stupidity" for his disconnect between his religion and politics. "I don't have any anger towards the president. I feel sorry for him," Bishop Gruss said. "He doesn't understand the Catholic faith."
Bishop Gregory Parkes of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, which includes Tampa, has consistently taught about the Catholic Church's stance on abortion. The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops has also issued a statement urging the rejection of a proposed abortion amendment.
"We urge all Floridians of goodwill to stand against the legalization of late-term abortion and oppose the abortion amendment," the statement read. "In doing so, we will not only protect the weakest, most innocent, and defenseless of human life, but also countless women throughout the state from the harms of abortion."
Biden's action has deepened the divide between the Catholic Church's official teachings and the president's political agenda. Pro-life advocates see it as a blatant disregard for the sanctity of life, while Biden's supporters contend that his personal beliefs do not override his commitment to reproductive rights.
The controversy highlights the growing tension between religion and politics in the modern era, as individuals and institutions struggle to reconcile their beliefs with the demands of public office.
