Pelosi receives Communion in the Vatican, despite her home archbishop refusing it

Pope Francis greets Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and her husband, Paul, on Wednesday before celebrating a Mass on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. Pelosi received Communion during the papal Mass, witnesses said, despite her position in support of abortion rights. (Vatican Media via AP)

ROME — U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi met with Pope Francis on Wednesday and received Communion during a papal Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, witnesses said, despite her position in support of abortion rights.

Pelosi attended the morning Mass marking the feasts of St. Peter and St. Paul, during which Francis bestowed the woolen pallium stole on newly consecrated archbishops. She was seated in a VIP diplomatic section of the basilica and received Communion along with the rest of the congregants, according to two people who witnessed the moment.