During a campaign rally in Tampa, Florida, President Joe Biden sparked controversy when he made the sign of the cross while attending a speech advocating for abortion rights. The gesture, which occurred as Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried criticized a new Florida law limiting abortions to within six weeks of gestation, was perceived by many as inappropriate given the Catholic Church’s firm opposition to abortion.
Fried, addressing the audience alongside Biden, voiced strong opposition to Governor Ron DeSantis’s stringent abortion policies, suggesting that DeSantis’s presidential ambitions were influencing his legislative actions. It was at this moment, following Fried’s critique, that Biden made the sign of the cross, an act traditionally associated with prayer and reverence in the Catholic faith.
The incident quickly drew sharp criticism from various religious and pro-life groups, who accused the President of mocking Christian values. Critics argued that Biden’s actions were disrespectful and highlighted a severe disconnect between his public displays of faith and the teachings of the Catholic Church on the sanctity of life.
Kristan Hawkins, founder of Students for Life of America, and Brian Burch, president of CatholicVote, were particularly vocal, denouncing Biden’s gesture as a mockery of Christian beliefs about life’s sanctity. They described his behavior as a blending of political stance with religious gestures, which they deemed highly inappropriate and offensive.
This controversy comes amidst broader discussions about Biden’s religious identity, with recent polls indicating that a significant portion of Americans do not view him as “very religious.” These perceptions are compounded by ongoing debates over how Biden’s policies align with his professed Catholic faith, especially on issues like abortion.
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comments on the incident. Meanwhile, the reaction continues to stir dialogue regarding the role of faith in governance and the ethical implications of political actions that intersect with deeply held religious beliefs.