President Biden faced backlash on Tuesday after making the Sign of the Cross during a speech rallying against abortion restrictions in Tampa, Florida.
The gesture occurred as Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikki Fried criticized Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state’s recent enactment of a six-week abortion ban.
While Fried spoke, Biden performed the Sign of the Cross—a traditional Christian gesture involving touching the forehead, chest, and shoulders—in what some viewed as an inappropriate context.
The Sign of the Cross holds deep religious significance for Catholics and Orthodox Christians, often used as a form of blessing or prayer.
However, Brian Burch, president of CatholicVote, denounced Biden’s gesture as a “disgusting insult” to Christians, particularly Catholics. He criticized Biden for seemingly endorsing abortion while invoking a sacred Christian practice.
Biden, who has identified as a devout Catholic, has faced criticism from within the church for his stance on abortion, which contradicts official Catholic teachings.
The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops has actively opposed a proposed amendment that seeks to expand abortion rights in the state, urging voters to reject it and protect the sanctity of human life.
In response to the incident, Bishop Robert Gruss of the Diocese of Saginaw, Michigan, expressed concern over the apparent disconnect between Biden’s faith and political actions, referring to the president’s approach as “stupidity” in its failure to understand Catholic doctrine.
Burch emphasized the significance of the upcoming elections for voters of faith, urging them to consider the implications of supporting politicians who diverge from religious teachings.
