Pope met secretly in USA with anti-gay marriage county clerk

As it turns out, according to USA Today on Wednesday, the Vatican has confirmed the meeting, although they have refused to add any other details other than the fact that it took place.

Davis, of course, rose to national prominence a few weeks ago after she refused to issue marriage license to same-sex couples because she said it went against her Catholic beliefs.

Pope Francis told reporters on Monday that it is the “human right” of government officials like Kim Davis who refuse to enforce laws because it goes against their religion.

Pope Francis didn’t address gay marriage specifically during his USA visit, though on the plane ride back to Rome he spoke of the importance of conscientious objectors, the description that’s been applied to Davis.

“It is a right”.

The reported meeting with Davis contrasts with the popes public appearances during the five day papal tour, where he was praised for his progressive views on immigration, criticism of sexual abuse by the clergy, and the need to reinvigorate the church by valuing the vast contribution of women.

Days earlier, Davis and the Pope had embraced, and Francis presented rosaries to both the Rowan County clerk and her husband Joe Davis, her attorneys said. ‘Thank you for your courage, ‘ Pope Francis said to me.

She didn’t say in the interview whether she had a private audience with the pope or she was part of larger crowd.

“I put my hand out and he reached and he grabbed it, and I hugged him and he hugged me”, Davis said. I’m just a person that’s been transformed by the grace of God, who wants to work, be with my family.

Davis says it was “very humbling” to meet Francis. “I am just a County Clerk who loves Jesus and desires with all my heart to serve him”, she said.

Speaking to media on a flight home from his tour of the USA, Pope Francis answered questions about Christian “martyrs” who feel persecuted by their actions. Since her release, Davis has allowed the licenses to be issued, but only with her name and title removed. He said people, including government workers, have the right not to do something in which their conscience objects.