Over the last few days, social media has been filled with claims by Kim Davis that she had a private meeting with Pope Francis and that he embraced her and her “courage”.
Kim Davis has acted in refusing to fulfill her obligation as an elected official, her grandstanding for publicity and for her belief in not including all in the granting of equal rights and rights guaranteed by our Constitution. It is very questionable why she did not produce any pictures of her with the Pope. In this case it seems that Davis and her attorney tried to use the Pope to further their agenda. Pope Francis is a man of inclusion and he does not play political games although at times he does have to be political in working with the more conservative elements in the Roman Catholic Church. He has said that he does not judge the relationship people have, even though he believes strongly in family.
Although some of his comments might indicate that he questions same sex marriage he has not made any statement against any type of relationship.
On October 2nd, the Vatican issued a pretty clear statement on what really occurred and it appears to totally discredit Davis. Vatican spokesman, Reverend Federico Lombardi, sought to give the Vatican’s take on events in a statement early Friday, saying Francis had met with “several dozen” people at the Vatican’s embassy before leaving Washington for New York. Davis was among them and had a “brief meeting,” he said. Lombardi said such meetings are common during papal trips and are take part due to the pope’s “kindness and availability”.
“The Pope did not enter into the details of the situation with Davis and his meeting with her should not be considered a form of support of her position in all of its particular and complex aspects,” Lombardi said. It is not clear if the statement means that the Pope met with her privately for the “brief meeting” or in a large group. However, this does not matter as the spin by Davis was still deceitful.
What is most important is that the Pope did have an audience with a same sex couple, sharing in an embrace that was captured in pictures and video.”The only real audience granted by the Pope at the nunciature was with one of his former students and his family,” Lombardi added.
The man, Yayo Grassi, is an openly gay Argentine caterer who lives in Washington. In a video posted online, Grassi is shown entering the Vatican’s embassy, embracing his former teacher, and introducing Francis to his longtime partner, Iwan Bagus, whom Francis recognized from a previous meeting. Grassi also introduced an elderly Argentine woman, who might be his mother, and a few friends from Asia.
“As noted in the past, the Pope as pastor has maintained many personal relationships with people in a spirit of kindness, welcome and dialogue,” Lombardi said. It is very interesting to note that an audience, rather than a meeting, is much more personal and meaningful. Also note that the Vatican refers to this audience as being with a former student and his family.
Video of Pope Francis embracing and welcoming his former student and his boyfriend of 19 years who are in a meaningful family relationship for 19 years.
Please note the statement from Davis’ attorney. Regardless of your opinion of same sex marriage it is easy to see the love the Pope has for his former student and his boyfriend. There are no pictures of the Pope and Davis.
I wonder why.
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