Kim Davis recounts secret meeting with Pope Francis

Davis refused a judge's order to issue marriage licenses, citing her religious beliefs

 \September 30, 2015

 

 

The following comes from a September 30 ABC News article:

Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis says a private meeting with Pope Francis has inspired her -– and given her a renewed sense of purpose.

“I was crying. I had tears coming out of my eyes,” Davis said in an exclusive interview with ABC News. “I’m just a nobody, so it was really humbling to think he would want to meet or know me.”
Davis, who refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, says the private meeting occurred during the pope’s historic trip to the United States. After receiving a surprise phone call from a church official, the Kentucky county clerk says she traveled to Washington, D.C., where she and her husband Joe met the pope Sept. 24 at the Vatican Embassy.

“I put my hand out and he reached and he grabbed it, and I hugged him and he hugged me,” Davis said. “And he said, ‘thank you for your courage.’”

Hours later, Father Benedettini from the Vatican Press office said, “I do not deny that the meeting took place, but I will not comment on it further.” The Apostolic Nunciature in Washington, D.C. would also not elaborate, echoing the Vatican’s latest statement.

Davis drew national attention -– and spent six days in jail -– after refusing a judge’s order to issue marriage licenses in Rowan County, Kentucky, to same-sex and heterosexual couples, citing her religious beliefs.

Pope Francis gave rosaries to Kim Davis and her husband.

Davis, back at work, is still not issuing any marriage licenses.

ABC News’ Terry Moran asked Francis Sunday night if he supports individuals, including government officials, who claim religious liberty as a reason to disobey the law.

Francis responded, “I can’t have in mind all the cases that can exist about conscientious objection, but, yes, I can say that conscientious objection is a right that is a part of every human right. It is a right. And if a person does not allow others to be a conscientious objector, he denies a right.”
Davis says Pope Francis left her and her husband with a rosary.

“He told me before he left, he said, ‘stay strong.’ That was a great encouragement. Just knowing that the pope is on track with what we’re doing, it kind of validates everything to have someone of that stature,” Davis said.