We haven't had a Pope Paul in many decades, so who is PP?

Hillary Clinton: I could compromise on abortion.

Today on Morning Joe, Bernie noted his differences with the Catholic Church on women's rights and LGBT rights before applauding Pope Francis for his positions on climate change and economic justice.

With respect to his supporters, I believe the vast majority agree with his noted differences with the Catholic Church as well.

Of the Pope and his open and frank discussions on Social & Economic justice. Moreover than in the past, there's been a strong effort to speak out and take a stand against war, greed, and oppression. Admittedly, I'm surprised to see the Pope reach out to Sander's to share in this discussion, but not because they haven't been similar on those issues. It's just that with it being an election season, I'm surprised. Not that this pope has ever shied away from controversy to benefit those in need.

As a Democrat, these social/health/economic issues are very important to me. I was raised in a fundamentalist church, but rejected religion due to the hypocrisy and extremist nature of our church. That doesn't mean there aren't good people or churches trying do good things in the world.

It has bothered me greatly that the Republicans have hijacked religion to pass and push horrific changes in this country, when the issues most religions unilaterally claim to agree on is caring for the least of these (well, those that read their books of faith will agree). Whether that's through health, feeding, clothing, and housing the poor, caring for children, and education ("teach a man to fish" comes to mind). That's because those books of faith were often used as societal frame work; the dieties, afterlife and punishments were used as a means of control.

Let's keep the extremism out, and bring on the conversations to help support our communities, our country, and those in need beyond our boarders. This can be done while still maintaining a separation of church & state. IMO

I mean that respectfully to you. But he has been like no other. As a non believer, I've taken notice. I appreciate the attention he's brought to many issues.

That a majority of the remaining primary states are Catholic states that Sanders is quickly gaining ground in and has nothing to do with PP?

....connecting the a trip to the Vatican to Planned Parenthood supporting Hillary.

Like others, I was trying to figure out who "PP" was. Now I understand why I couldn't make the connection.

So much verbiage from one camp sounds exactly like Paul and his little minions.

Global than the other although I know Sanders' message applies to the 99% around the world.

What a grand message it is. Kinda like what some guy named Jesus was preachin' about.

on many things as well as the scandal of child molestation that the Catholic Church has hidden.

But I am also able to view the current Pope as an amazing man who is doing so much to bring the church into the 21st century. And I so admire him for tackling the issues of poverty, charity, climate and more. If Hillary had been invited to speak on these issues at the Vatican I am quite sure the Clintonites would be rejoicing.

But they are simply unable to allow Sanders even this honor without making absurd statements.

So sad.

And no - the Catholic Church isn't involving itself in American elections. They are involving themselves in a call for focus on income inequality, poverty, climate - and they are recognizing that Bernie Sanders embraces those same issues.

would it still be unfair to criticize the Pope on this?

I disagree - and Bernie disagrees and has said he disagrees - with the Pope on many issues including women's rights, gay rights, etc.

I also can appreciate other things about the Pope and be glad he is speaking out on many issues.

would anyone pay attention to another word he said, no matter what it was.

that Sanders supporters are anti-women, pro-stone age religious nuts. This from the very same people who thought the Henry Kissinger endorsement was a good thing while at the same time opposing the war in Iraq.