This past year, Pope Francis has pleasantly surprised many of us.  I was especially pleased with this year’s encyclical as it focused on the environment (see my related post HERE).  And on the Pope’s recent trip to the U.S., he won the respect of many by the position he’d taken on climate change, capitalism, fundamentalism and sexual abuse. And because he preferred eating with the homeless instead of with members of Congress.

However, delight turned to depression when it was announced that the Pope had met with Kim Davis and, according to her, supported her decision to refuse issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.  Davis said “It was really humbling to think he would want to meet or know me.”  Furthermore, she said,  “Just knowing the Pope is on track with what we’re doing and agreeing, you know, kind of validates everything.”

However, this morning I read that the Pope is highly irritated by how Davis and her lawyer have blatantly manipulated what actually happened.

The Vatican has now responded with this statement coming from the Vatican itself:  “Pope Francis met with several dozen persons who had been invited by the Nunciature to greet him as he prepared to leave Washington for New York City. Such brief greetings occur on all papal visits and are due to the Pope’s characteristic kindness and availability. The only real audience granted by the Pope at the Nunciature was with one of his former students and his family.”

The former student referred to is Yayo Grassi, an openly gay man (he’s also an atheist). Grassi arrived with his companion and both were warmly welcomed by the Pope.  In essence, the Pope preferred a gay to Kim.

So Kim, what do you have to say for yourself now?

source 1 + source 2