Bishop Rhoades opposes Notre Dame's decision to award Biden

Earlier this month, Notre Dame announced Vice President Joe Biden and former House speaker John Boehner would jointly be awarded the Laetare Medal at the university's May 15th commencement.

On Monday, the local bishop announced his opposition to one of those recipients.

Bishop Kevin Rhoades of the Fort Wayne/South Bend Diocese issued a statement on Monday saying he opposes awarding Biden the Laetare Medal because he believes it is wrong for Notre Dame to honor any pro-choice public official.

Rhoades says Biden support of abortion violates a very fundamental principle of catholic moral and social teaching.

Rhoades says he shared his concerns with Notre Dame President John Jenkins, who said Boehner and Biden, from opposite political parties, were chosen for putting the good of the country over partisan politics.

The Laetare Medal is the oldest and most prestigious award for American Catholics and is presented annually to an American Catholic in recognition of outstanding service to the church and society.

To read the full statement, click