New President of Catholic Bishops Defended Denying Communion to Nancy Pelosi

The nation’s Catholic bishops have elected a new president who is a solid pro-life advocate and defended denying communion to pro-abortion former Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Archbishop Paul Coakley of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma has been elected as the new president and he asked for prayers as he takes the leadership post.

“I’m humbled by the trust which my brother bishops have placed in me by choosing me to serve as president of our episcopal conference,” he said on X.

“Once again, the Lord is inviting me to put out into deep waters in calling me to accept this service and burden of leadership today,” he continued. “I accept it in faith and with great hope. Please pray that I may be a faithful steward and a wise servant of unity and communion with our Holy Father, Pope Leo, and with my brother bishops and priests.”

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Coakley has been outspoken on pro-life issues. Notably, he supported Archbishop Cordileone’s decision in 2022 to withhold communion from Nancy Pelosi after she blocked a bill 80 times to stop infanticide.

At the time, Cordileone said he formally notified U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi that she can no longer be allowed communion because she is no longer in communion with the Catholic Church by virtue of her repeatedly promoting abortion. Cordileone, who serves Pelosi’s home district of San Francisco, said he informed the congresswoman of his decision after repeated attempts to speak with her about the “grave evil” that she is supporting.

After that decision, Pelosi’s bishop in the diocese where she has her vacation home says he  instructed parish priests to implement the decision and refuse her communion if and when she visits their church.

Other bishops spoke out about the decision, saying it was correct because it was Pelosi’s decision to extricate herself from communion with the Catholic Church by virtue of her aggressive pro-abortion agenda.

Bishops Coakley was one of those who supported withdrawing communion.

“I applaud the courage of Archbishop Cordileone and his leadership in taking this difficult step. Let us continue to pray for Abp. Cordileone, priests of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, Speaker Pelosi, for the protection of the unborn, and for the conversion of hearts and minds,” he said.

Pelosi totally dismissed the decision and receives communion at liberal Catholic churches in Washington.