Pop music icon Madonna, who was born and raised Catholic, said this week she would like to have a one-on-one conversation with Pope Francis to discuss Jesus’ view of women.
If given the chance, the 60-year-old entertainer told Australia’s Andrew Denton, host of “Interview” on Channel 7, she would urge the pontiff to elaborate on his understanding of Jesus’ “point of view about women,” according to Daily Mail.
Known for her progressive leanings, Madonna soon ventured into the topic of abortion. She told Denton she would ask Francis: “Don’t you think Jesus would agree that a woman has the right to choose what to do with her body?”
The “Like a Prayer” singer made the comment as Hollywood celebrities are threatening to boycott the state of Georgia over Gov. Brian Kemp’s (R) decision to sign into law a bill that bans abortion after a heartbeat is detectable, which usually happens about six weeks into pregnancy.
Actor and activist Alyssa Milano has led the charge against the state, known as the “Hollywood of the South,” calling the pro-life legislation “dangerous and deeply flawed.”
Alabama is also facing backlash from Hollywood elites and progressive politicians after Gov. Kay Ivey (R) signed into law the most stringent pro-life legislation in the country. The bill makes it a felony for a doctor to perform or attempt an abortion at any stage of pregnancy.
Perhaps most controversial is the fact the Alabama law offers no exceptions for those who become pregnant as the result of rape or incest.
In 1986, Madonna released a song called “Papa Don’t Preach.” The song, which tells the story of a young girl who became pregnant outside of marriage but refused to have an abortion, became something of an anthem for the pro-life community.
But several years later, in 1994, the legendary singer-songwriter spoke quite candidly about her own history with abortion, something not many women talked about at the time.
Madonna was asked during an interview with Sheryl Garratt, editor of the British magazine The Face, if she’s had “several abortions.” In response, the entertainer simply said, “True.”
The well-known singer is currently making her rounds in media as her 14th studio album, “Madame X,” debuts. It is her first record since 2015, when she released “Rebel Heart.”