From Inside Catholic:
It should be noted that among all the bishops who have responded to Pelosi lecturing them on the beginning of human life, Cardinal Egan was particularly pointed.
If you compare the statements of Cardinal Rigali, Bishop Lori, Archbishop Chaput, and Archbishop Wuerl to Cardinal Egan’s, the latter has the tone of someone who has “had it” with the hubris of pro-abortion politicians.
Here is the text in full with my italics added:
STATEMENT OF HIS EMINENCE, EDWARD CARDINAL EGAN CONCERNING REMARKS MADE BY THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Like many other citizens of this nation, I was shocked to learn that the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States of America would make the kind of statements that were made to Mr. Tom Brokaw of NBC-TV on Sunday, August 24, 2008. What the Speaker had to say about theologians and their positions regarding abortion was not only misinformed; it was also, and especially, utterly incredible in this day and age.
We are blessed in the 21st century with crystal-clear photographs and action films of the living realities within their pregnant mothers. No one with the slightest measure of integrity or honor could fail to know what these marvelous beings manifestly, clearly, and obviously are, as they smile and wave into the world outside the womb. In simplest terms, they are human beings with an inalienable right to live, a right that the Speaker of the House of Representatives is bound to defend at all costs for the most basic of ethical reasons. They are not parts of their mothers, and what they are depends not at all upon the opinions of theologians of any faith. Anyone who dares to defend that they may be legitimately killed because another human being “chooses” to do so or for any other equally ridiculous reason should not be providing leadership in a civilized democracy worthy of the name.
Edward Cardinal Egan
Archbishop of New York
Since going to New York, Cardinal Egan has joined the political fray on very few occasions. That he has done so now is a tribute to Pelosi’s lack of respect for Catholic bishops, e.g., thinking she can tell Catholics what they can disagree with clearly defined Church teaching.
There is one bishop, however, we have yet to from, Pelosi’s bishop. Isn’t it rather strange that a Catholic member of Congress from San Francisco would provoke press releases from two cardinals, two archbishops, and a bishop from different parts of the country, but not a peep from her own archdiocese.
The silence of Archbishop Niederauer may be due to the fact that the joint statement of Rigali and Lori comes from the chairmen of two USCCB committees — pro-life activities and doctrine — and could be construed to represent all the bishops.
The archdiocese of San Franciso web site has prominently posted the Rigali/Lori statement.
Nonetheless, with Speaker Pelosi continuing to cite one passage of St. Augustine against Catechism of the Catholic Church, Archbishop Niederauer may yet be forced to speak out himself.
The Pelosi controversy, however, may have one or two more chapters when the Jesuits who have been teaching this sort of confusion on delayed ensoulment for decades begin rushing to Pelosi’s defense, if they haven’t already.
My guess is that the president of the University of San Francisco, Fr. Stephen A. Privett , SJ, is preparing some sort of pro-Pelosi sally in the next few days. Privett has been one of Pelosi’s most ardent Catholic allies.
Mary\'s Anawim 