On Tuesday, The Washington Postreported that the draft of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' communion document does not mention President Joe Biden or abortion — a big concession after initial reports they were considering new rules that could deny pro-choice politicians communion that earned backlash.
"A draft published Tuesday by the Catholic newsletter the Pillar showed a 26-page document that focuses on emphasizing the theological power of Communion as a necessary, unique and literal connection with God," reported Michelle Boorstein. "It does not, however, mention Biden, abortion or politicians who are balancing roles of constitutional officers and Catholics. Nor does it go further in defining the question of who is worthy, a decision that canon law has left in the hands of people's local priests and bishops."
According to the report, "The USCCB Tuesday declined to comment on whether the draft, which the Pillar said was distributed to all bishops last month, was current. However several people who have seen the draft bishops are considering said it was."
This comes after Biden met with Pope Francis, a meeting that reportedly concluded with the pontiff telling Biden he was a good Catholic and to continue receiving communion.