Pope Francis and Dorothy Day

Another flap could happen over Pope Francis’ public affirmation of Catholic Worker Dorothy Day, a social activist for justice if ever there one was (though I’m partial to Jane Addams for that spot in American history). Frankly, I love the boundary crossing of a consistent pro-life policy, and tie in some economic theory to it and you’ve just about got everyone irritated.

Perhaps a new wave of politicians will discombobulate the platforms and ideologies for a deeper morality:

In his speech to Congress today, Pope Francis name-checked a radical, pacifist, socialist would-be saint who had an abortion.

His mention of Dorothy Day, the sole American woman to get a papal shout-out, should make everyone squirm a little bit.

“In these times when social concerns are so important, I cannot fail to mention the Servant of God Dorothy Day, who founded the Catholic Worker Movement,”Pope Francis said. “Her social activism, her passion for justice and for the cause of the oppressed, were inspired by the Gospel, her faith, and the example of the saints.” [Dear Daily Beast, “gospel” when it’s the message, and Gospel when it’s a book in the New Testament.]

Like Francis, Day presents a conundrum for politicians on both the left and the right—bluntly radical on economic issues, while unflinching in her opposition to abortion. She also has created a rift in the Catholic Church as some powerful church leaders advocate for her sainthood.