US President Joe Biden visited church in his hometown of Wilmington, Delaware (east) on Saturday, June 19, the day after a decision by the American clergy that could deprive members of the world of communion policy favorable to the right to abortion.
Read also: Catholic but pro-abortion, can Biden receive the Eucharist?
Joe Biden, who defends this right, and his wife Jill went to Saint Joseph on the Brandywine Church, including its cemetery where Neilia, the president's first wife, their daughter Naomi and their son Beau are buried.
A devout Catholic, he attends mass at least once a week.
He also supports the landmark decision of the United States Supreme Court that legalized the right to abortion in 1973.
A widely voted proposal
The Conference of American Catholic Bishops (USCCB) voted Thursday by a large majority (168 votes for, 55 against) the proposal to write a text on "
the meaning of the Eucharist in the life of the Church
", which could result in denying it to policies supporting abortion.
The Eucharist, or communion, is an essential rite of the Catholic faith, during which the faithful receive the Host, symbol of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
"
It is private and I do not think that will happen
", replied Friday Joe Biden, questioned on this text and its scope.
Read also: Biden to revoke rules limiting access to abortion
The Vatican urged US church authorities in May to be cautious about possible measures concerning "
the situation of Catholic officials in favor of the legalization of abortion, euthanasia or other moral prejudice
" , according to the American Catholic agency CNS.
Each bishop currently decides who can receive Communion in his diocese.
Joe Biden was refused communion because of his positions in 2019, in an American church.
He then recalled having received it from the Pope himself.