No surprise here. But worth noting. Vice President Joe Biden refused to kiss the Pope’s ring, according to Yahoo News.
I can’t help but not be surprised at this decision of Biden as he likely sees Catholicism as having no greater authority than Pope Joe himself.
If he doesn’t submit himself to the Church’s teachings on such things as the taking of human life or the institution of marriage why would he submit to kissing the pope’s ring?
Come on Joe, even Nancy Pelosi kissed the pope’s ring. And she didn’t even burst into flames or nothing.
Joe Biden doesn’t kiss up to anyone — whether a queen or a pope.
The vice president told a gathering of Irish-Americans in New York City on Thursday that as a young U.S. senator he was to meet the queen of England.
He remembers getting a call from his mother, who told him not to kiss the queen’s ring.
Years later, when he was to meet Pope John Paul II, Biden says his mother told him not to kiss the pope’s ring.
Biden, a Roman Catholic descended from struggling Irish immigrants, says his dad said it was “all about dignity.”
Biden says his mother told him that no one is “better” than him. And while Biden should treat everyone with respect, his mother said her son should also “demand respect.'”
To be clear, kissing the pope’s ring is not a recognition that he’s better than you. Looks like Joe is bringing a few of his own issues to the table. The thing that bugs me is not that he didn’t kiss the ring, it’s that he bragged about it.
It’s a little bit ironic don’t you think, that Mr. Demand Respect is in the most subservient position in the world as the vice president of the United States.
March 23, 2013 at 3:37 am
I am so disappointed in the Vice President. What an excuse not to kiss the Pope's ring.The Pope is not a king or queen, but a man of God to we Catholics. I couldn't believe his total disrespect and arrogance. Why did he even attend, just for a photo op ?
March 23, 2013 at 5:27 am
I think a good old hand shake is good enough! Not into that kissing the ring thing..A hugs good too 🙂
March 23, 2013 at 5:38 am
Pretty sure theres somewhere in the new testament where people are throwing themselves at Pauls feet, treating him as revered person, god, etc.. and he tells them to stop that.. and that hes a man just like they are..and how that sort of devotion or worship is to be left for God alone? Just feels wrong kissing another persons ring, soley because of their position..It appears to be a global thing..So I think norms and convention wise, maybe..but this is a religious expression..not a business mtg where cultural ediquette comes into play. In a religious situation, as related in the bible, Id keep it peer to peer with God in common, and either do a polite head nod, hand shake, or even a smile..just an acknowledgement , polite..I think kings, popes, etc are good with that..if not..they consider themselves godly? And perhaps thats not a good mindset for a mere mortal to have? If someone really needs to kiss the ring, well, let them..like Pelosi..nothing to get all freaked about. Dogma seems to, or should, follow gospel teachings, right? So ck out the Paul incident..where he quickly tells the people hes talking to to stop treating him as something more than themselves..and note how that action cut to the chase about peer to peer relationships of humans..throwing aside norm, convention, and looks like cultural and traditionally expected and practiced " approach the holy one" mannerisms..Paul wasnt on board with it..Maybe the history of how that all got started in the first place? I really dont know..
March 23, 2013 at 8:47 am
Biden, Pelosi, Cuomo,….
When fact becomes stranger than fiction, and informational input is so marginalized, skeptical and unsettling that it doesn't correspond to timely well established, grounded data. Then it is time to immediately engage the highly acclaimed, trustworthy and dependable, DEFAULT reality process check off system of moral courage, ethical code of conduct based on authentic teaching, idelogical dogmas and axioms, timeless unwavering truths consolidated in a well formed conscience. This granted through faith, hope and charity, applied effort, sought after wisdom, battled tested experience and enlightened knowledge. All bestowed as a loving gift from a merciful GOD!
Translation from above Re: VP Biden THEREFORE….When he opens his mouth (it's certainly not to be kissin' the BLARNEY STONE!!!) It stinks of something more unsavory!!! I've gotten so annoyed…
REMAINDER delected by author in charity.
CONSTANTLY SETS OFF the auto alarm of my built in horse hockey detector system!!! He can't even tell the difference between right and wrong. The "OFFAL" O'METER is stuck on "tilt"!. Has he no shame?, no guilt? He and his family must reside in an alternative universe that makes sense to them and others like them. BVM may you assist us all in serious error.
March 23, 2013 at 1:23 pm
Well, Biden doesn't kiss the ring of the spiritual leader of the faith he proclaims, but Obama is much more obedient to his superiors. I recall Obama making a profound bow to the king of Saudi Arabia. I think we know all we need to know here.
March 23, 2013 at 3:47 pm
Best comment:
"What Biden DOES kiss is the most disturbing thing about the man."
Anyway – Biden's full of it – there is no protocol for kissing the Queen's ring. See, he make this stuff up – it's blarney… Cliff Claven.
March 23, 2013 at 3:48 pm
I should have said – he's Cliff Claven.
March 23, 2013 at 5:47 pm
Considering the things Vice-Clown Joe Biden has kissed, and is still kissing, I certainly wouldn't want his lips anywhere near me.
March 24, 2013 at 12:07 am
There once was a VP named Joe Biden
Through whose mouth caused hell to widen
But once he got there he found it was fair
A fact he took such great pride in 🙁
March 24, 2013 at 2:47 am
so Biden still does what his mommy says!! grow a pair and be a man!
March 24, 2013 at 4:42 am
The Irish no longer go to Mass and Ireland's largest trading partner is England. Time to return to the Church and her teachings and show some basic courtesy to the Queen who have hosting the Holy Father made an historic visit to Dublin and visited a Catholic cathedral. There's a distinction to be made between remembering and induling in resentment.
March 24, 2013 at 1:57 pm
Poor Biden…still suffering from low self esteem…
March 24, 2013 at 10:06 pm
When I was in the Navy, they explained that the officer you are saluting may be the biggest loser you've ever seen, but you are showing respect "to the uniform," i.e. showing respect for the OFFICE that person holds. On another site they mentioned that there was a bishop who disliked his ring being kissed. He was told, "Don't take this personally." Biden won't salute the Pope, but he'll salute Obama…hmmm.
March 25, 2013 at 2:27 am
In reply to much earlier postings……
I am going to say,,,,,
His actions are beyond "DETESTABLE!
I'm going to say it………..Hadn't heard much of anything about him after the election for a while.
Obama, his Gestapo White House staff, media reporters and Obamacare doctors, must have had him secretly lobotimized while on vacation!!!
His wife is a doctor, did you know? Would EXPLAIN EVERYTHING!…..TOO BAD IT DIDN'T WORK!!!!! …