Quick Hit: 

Archbishop of Washington, D.C., Cardinal Wilton Gregory, has criticized President Biden for being a "cafeteria Catholic" who selectively adheres to aspects of the faith that suit his political agenda. The archbishop's comments come amid ongoing scrutiny of Biden's faith and his stance on issues such as abortion.

Key Details: 

• Cardinal Gregory referred to Biden as a "cafeteria Catholic", a term used to describe individuals who selectively adhere to aspects of the Catholic faith.
• The archbishop criticized Biden for using his faith for political advantage, particularly in relation to "life issues" such as abortion.
• The comments come amid ongoing scrutiny of Biden's faith, with a Pew Research poll indicating that a majority of Americans do not view him as "very religious."

Diving Deeper: 

Cardinal Wilton Gregory, the archbishop of Washington, D.C., has taken a swipe at President Biden's faith, referring to him as a "cafeteria Catholic." This term is used to describe individuals who selectively adhere to aspects of the Catholic faith that suit their personal or political preferences. Gregory's comments were made during an interview on CBS' "Face the Nation", where he suggested that Biden picks and chooses dimensions of the faith to highlight while ignoring or contradicting others.

The archbishop's criticism of Biden's faith comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the President's religious beliefs and his stance on contentious issues such as abortion. Despite Biden's self-description as a "devout Catholic," Gregory suggested that the President manipulates aspects of his faith for political advantage. This is particularly evident in relation to 'life issues," where Biden's pro-choice stance on abortion contradicts the Catholic Church's teachings.

Gregory's comments reflect a broader skepticism about Biden's faith. A Pew Research poll released in February found that a majority of Americans do not view Biden as "very religious." This skepticism, coupled with the perceived inconsistency between Biden's faith and his political stance on issues such as abortion, has led to criticism from both religious and political figures. As the 2024 election approaches, it remains to be seen how Biden's 'cafeteria Catholicism' will impact his appeal to American Catholics.