NY church rebukes Giuliani 

Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani received holy communion during the pope's visit despite an agreement never to seek it because of his support for abortion rights, the cardinal of the Archdiocese of New York said.

Giuliani, a former Republican presidential candidate who has been divorced twice, received holy communion during Pope Benedict's Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral on April 19.

Cardinal Edward Egan said in a statement he had an "understanding" with Giuliani that he not participate in the Eucharist because of his support of abortion rights.

"I deeply regret that Mr. Giuliani received the Eucharist during the Papal visit here in New York, and I will be seeking a meeting with him to insist that he abide by our understanding," Egan said.

The Roman Catholic hierarchy has denied other politicians communion because of their support for abortion rights. Pope Benedict, when he was known as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, said in 2004 that Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry should be refused the sacrament.

A spokeswoman for Giuliani said he was willing to meet with Egan but that, "As he has previously said, Mayor Giuliani's faith is a deeply personal matter and should remain confidential."

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