Boston boycott for Kenny over abortion

Boston’s Cardinal Sean O’Malley has said he will boycott a university graduation ceremony because Enda Kenny is attending.

In a statement, Cardinal O’Malley said he would not be attending the Boston College Commencement Exercise because the Taoiseach was “aggressively promoting abortion legislation” despite objections from church leaders here. He said abortion was “a crime against humanity”.

Mr Kenny is due to address graduates at the 137th annual commencement exercise on May 20 and receive an honorary doctor of laws degree.

Cardinal O’Malley said the Catholic bishops of the US had asked Catholic institutions not to honour government officials or politicians who promote abortion with their laws or policies.

“I am sure that the invitation was made in good faith, long before it came to the attention of the leadership of Boston College that Mr Kenny is aggressively promoting abortion legislation.

“Since the university has not withdrawn the invitation and because the Taoiseach has not seen fit to decline, I shall not attend the graduation.”

On Thursday, college spokesman Jack Dunn told the Boston Globe that the Taoiseach was chosen to celebrate its heritage and its connection with Ireland.

Following the main event, 4,395 students will receive their degrees at ceremonies held around the campus.

Boston College was founded by the Society of Jesus in 1863 and says on its website that it is committed to maintaining and strengthening the Jesuit, Catholic mission of the university.