Keeler to boycott Loyola graduation

Cardinal objects to views of keynote speaker Giuliani on abortion

By William Wan, Sun Staff
May 19, 2005

Cardinal William H. Keeler told Loyola College of Maryland yesterday that he will not attend its commencement ceremony tomorrow because he disagrees with the keynote speaker, former New York Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani, who supports abortion rights.

The decision comes amid planned protests, led in part by a conservative Catholic group, outside tomorrow's ceremony at the 1st Mariner Arena in downtown Baltimore.
Loyola's interim president, David Haddad, received a strongly worded letter from the cardinal yesterday, saying Keeler would not attend - nor would any auxiliary bishops or any other representative of the archdiocese, college and archdiocese officials said.
"He just feels it's not appropriate given Giuliani's stance on abortion," archdiocese spokesman Sean Caine said. "I don't recall there being similar circumstances where the cardinal's had to make this decision."
Last night, college officials defended their choice of Giulani to speak at tomorrow morning's ceremony and their plans to award him an honorary degree.
"The college selected Giuliani because of his courageous leadership during the 9/11 attacks," said college spokesman Mark Kelly. "This is a 9/11 class. Their first week in school, 9/11 happened. It's had a huge effect on them. We decided his response and resolve was worthy of this honor."
The college does not always agree with every position of every speaker, Kelly said. Giuliani was selected as the speaker about five months ago.
A spokesman for Giuliani could not be reached for comment last night.

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