Pope Francis passed away in Rome last week after dealing with a series of health complications, ultimately succumbing to a stroke and cardiocirculatory collapse after a 38-day hospitalization for double pneumonia.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi planned to be -- and was -- part of a bipartisan Congressional Delegation that traveled to the Vatican to attend the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday, though her presence drew attention to her past tensions with Church authorities regarding her stance on abortion, as the Daily Caller reports.

Pelosi's participation in the delegation was noteworthy given her complicated history with some Church authorities. In 2022, she was prohibited from receiving Holy Communion by Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone of San Francisco due to her support for abortion rights.

Archbishop's stand against Pelosi

The decision by Archbishop Cordileone was publicized through a strong statement issued at the time. He expressed concern that Pelosi's public defense of abortion constituted a severe sin that endangered her spiritual well-being.

He detailed his efforts to engage Pelosi in dialogue, aiming to guide her toward recognizing the perceived grave nature of her stance.

The archbishop's statement included multiple warnings about the consequences Pelosi faced for her advocacy. Among these was the significant step of denying her communion, specifying that such a denial would remain unless she altered her position publicly and sought reconciliation through penance.

In response to these events, Pelosi's spokesman pointed towards an article indicating Pelosi had indeed received communion while at the Vatican in 2022.

This served as a counterpoint to the archbishop's action from months prior, underscoring a complex dynamic between her and certain Church leadership.

Pelosi praises Francis

Despite the theological disagreements between Pelosi and the Church hierarchy, her statement upon Pope Francis' passing was one of admiration and respect. She acknowledged his profound impact, highlighting his ability to rekindle the faith of Catholics with his message of peace.

Pelosi also noted Pope Francis' dedication to the marginalized, referring to his work with the poor, refugees, and immigrants. She drew from the Gospel of Matthew to emphasize these points, aligning the Pope’s mission with deep-rooted Christian values.

In a broader sense, Pelosi viewed her attendance at the funeral as a duty. She conveyed her intention to represent the sentiments of the American people, their condolences, and prayers.

Scalise leads delegation

The U.S. Congressional Delegation attending the funeral was led by House Majority Leader Steve Scalise. It consisted of Pelosi along with eight other members of Congress, representing both Republican and Democratic Party interests.

This bipartisan approach to the event highlighted the significance of Pope Francis' contributions beyond sect and party. Such a diverse delegation offered a unified tribute to a leader whose influence transcended partisan divides.

Pope Francis’ leadership was marked by significant themes, including advocacy for the disenfranchised and calls for global unity. This reflects a spirit of charity and togetherness that lawmakers across the political spectrum chose to honor.

Legacy of dialogue, acceptance remembered

The Pope’s legacy encourages dialogue and acceptance even amidst ideological differences. While Pelosi and some Church authorities may have had points of contention, her decision to attend his funeral denoted a continued commitment to spiritual unity.

Through her statements, Pelosi conveyed a broader narrative of respect and reverence, aiming to bridge divides. Her message was meant to underscore the importance of recognizing common values and shared humanity, despite past disagreements.

As the world prepared for Pope Francis' funeral, the confluence of political and spiritual leaders marked a moment to celebrate the ideals he championed during his papacy.

It was an occasion to remember his contributions to peace and interfaith dialogue, leaving a lasting impact on global society.