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Pope Francis in D.C.
By Radhika Chalasani
September 24, 2015 / 3:45 PM EDT / CBS News
 KEVIN LAMARQUE/REUTERS
Pope Francis is visiting Washington, New York City and Philadelphia during his first trip to the United States. The Pope is the first leader of the Roman Catholic Church to address a joint meeting of Congress, including more than 500 lawmakers, Supreme Court justices and top administration officials including Vice President Joe Biden, September 24, 2015.
President Barack Obama (R), first lady Michelle Obama, and Pope Francis wave from a balcony at the White House in Washington, D.C., September 23, 2015.
Pope Francis at U.S. Capitol
 PATRICK SMITH, GETTY IMAGES
Pope Francis bids farewell to Secretary of State John Kerry as he departs from Washington, D.C. en route to New York City on September 24, 2015 in Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.
Pope Francis at U.S. Capitol
 ALLISON SHELLEY/GETTY IMAGES
Spectators on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol building react as Pope Francis makes an appearance on the West Front Speaker's office balcony in Washington, D.C, September 24, 2015.
Pope Francis is the first pope to address a joint meeting of Congress and will finish his tour of Washington later in the day before traveling to New York City.
Pope Francis at U.S. Capitol
 DOUG MILLS-POOL/GETTY IMAGES
Pope Francis waves to the crowd from the Speakers Balcony at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., September 24, 2015.
Pope Francis at U.S. Capitol
 ALLISON SHELLEY/GETTY IMAGES
Spectators on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol building watch a telecast of Pope Francis addressing a joint session of U.S. Congress on September 24, 2015 in Washington, D.C.
Pope Francis at U.S. Capitol
 MARK WILSON/GETTY IMAGES
Pope Francis addresses a joint meeting of Congress in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol on September 24, 2015 in Washington, D.C.
Pope Francis at U.S. Capitol
 JONATHAN ERNST/REUTERS
Pope Francis addresses the U.S. Congress in the House Chamber on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., September 24 2015.
Pope Francis at U.S. Capitol
 DAVID GOLDMAN/POOL/REUTERS
Mark Perez wears a button bearing the image of Pope Francis while waiting for him to arrive for a visit to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington in D.C., September 24, 2015.
Pope Francis at U.S. Capitol
 WIN MCNAMEE/GETTY IMAGES
Pope Francis addresses a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress in the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol on September 24, 2015 in Washington, D.C.
Pope Francis at U.S. Capitol
 NICHOLASI KAMM/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
People watch Pope Francis address a Joint Session of Congress in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C on September 24, 2015 on the third day of his six-day visit to the U.S.
Pope Francis at U.S. Capitol
 JONATHAN ERNST /REUTERS
Pope Francis arrives in the House Chamber prior to addressing a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington September 24, 2015.
Pope Francis at U.S. Capitol
 JONATHAN ERNST /REUTERS
Pope Francis (L) is greeted by U.S. Vice President Joe Biden as the pope arrives in the House Chamber prior to addressing a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., September 24, 2015.
Pope Francis at U.S. Capitol
 TONY GENTILE/REUTERS
Pope Francis (C) is applauded as he arrives to give his speech to the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C., September 24, 2015.
Pope Francis at U.S. Capitol
 CARLOS BARRIA/REUTERS
People pack the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol to see Pope Francis appear on the Speaker's balcony before his speech to the U.S. Congress in Washington, September 24 2015.
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Pope Francis at U.S. Capitol
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U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry (R) talks with Pope Francis before the pontiff's speech to the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C., September 24 2015.
Pope Francis at U.S. Capitol
 MICHAEL REYNOLDS/POOL/REUTERS
Pope Francis pauses in front of a sculpture of Spanish-born Franciscan Friar Junipero Serra in Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C., September 24, 2015.
Pope Francis in Washington
 ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
Crowds wait for the arrival of Pope Francis at the Capitol building for his address to Congress in Washington, D.C. on September 24, 2015.
Pope Francis in Washington
 PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
Ruth Bader Ginsburg and other members of the U.S. Supreme Court arrive before Pope Francis addresses the joint session of Congress on September 24, 2014 in Washington, D.C.
Pope Francis addresses Congress
 PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich(L) and his wife, Callista, arrive before Pope Francis addresses the joint session of Congress on September 24, 2014 in Washington, D.C.
Pope Francis at U.S. Capitol
 BILL CLARK-POOL/GETTY IMAGES
Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH) (R) speaks with Pope Francis in the U.S. Capitol building before the Pontiff speaks to a joint meeting of Congress September 24, 2015 in Washington, D.C.
Pope Francis in Washington
 GARY CAMERON/REUTERS
Pope Francis (C) is embraced by a man in the crowd as he departs the Vatican Embassy in Washington on the third day of his first visit to the United States, September 24, 2015.
Pope Francis in Washington
 VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
Pope Francis celebrates Mass at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. on September 23, 2015.
Pope Francis in Washington
 KEVIN LAMARQUE/REUTERS
Members of the public watch as Pope Francis (not pictured) presides over a Canonization Mass for Friar Serra at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. September 23, 2015.
The canonization of Serra has been controversial for Native Americans.
Pope Francis in Washington
 VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
Pope Francis celebrates the Canonization Mass for Junipero Serra at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., September 23, 2015.
Junipero Serra was an 18th century Spanish Franciscan friar who founded a mission in Baja, California to bring Christianity to the indigenous population. This is the first-ever canonization by a Pope on U.S. soil.
Pope Francis in Washington
 CARLOS BARRIA/REUTERS
People watch a television screen as Pope Francis presides over a Canonization Mass for Friar Junipero Serra at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., September 23, 2015.
Pope Francis in Washington
 ROB CARR/GETTY IMAGES
Pope Francis arrives for the Canonization Mass for Junipero Serra at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC., September 23, 2015.
Junipero Serra was an 18th century Spanish Franciscan friar who founded a mission in Baja, California to bring Christianity to the indigenous population. This is the first-ever canonization by a Pope on U.S. soil.
Pope Francis in Washington
 ROB CARR/GETTY IMAGES
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Pope Francis arrives for the Canonization Mass for Junipero Serra at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on September 23, 2015 in Washington, D.C.
Junipero Serra was an 18th century Spanish Franciscan friar who founded a mission in Baja, California to bring Christianity to the indigenous population.
Pope Francis in Washington
 POOL/GETTY IMAGES
Worshipers reach out to Pope Francis as he arrives to greet and bless seminarians, novices, and religious guests at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception September 23, 2015 in Washington, DC.
Pope Francis in Washington
 CARLOS BARRIA/REUTERS
Priests attend the Canonization Mass for Friar Junipero Serra by Pope Francis at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., September 23, 2015.
Pope Francis in Washington
 POOL/GETTY IMAGES
Pope Francis arrives for the Canonization Mass for Junipero Serra at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception September 23, 2015 in Washington, DC. T
Pope Francis in Washington
 KEVIN LAMARQUE/REUTERS
Pope Francis (R) is touched by a nun as he arrives in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for a Canonization Mass for Friar Junipero Serra in Washington, D.C., September 23, 2015.
Pope Francis in Washington
 JIM BOURG-POOL/GETTY IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES
Pope Francis heads outside to preside over the canonization Mass for Friar Junipero Serra at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception September 23, 2015 in Washington, DC. The pope began his first trip to the U.S. at the White House and continues on in Washington tomorrow, making an address to a joint meeting of U.S. Congress.
Pope Francis in Washington
 ROB CARR/GETTY IMAGES
Pope Francis arrives for the Canonization Mass for Junipero Serra at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on September 23, 2015 in Washington, DC. Junipero Serra was an 18th century Spanish Franciscan friar who founded a mission in Baja, California to bring Christianity to the indigenous population.
Pope Francis in Washington
 BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
Pope Francis walks to a Canonization Mass for Friar Junipero Serra at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., September 23, 2015.
Pope Francis in Washington
 TONY GENTILE/REUTERS
Pope Francis presides over a Canonization Mass for Friar Junipero Serra at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., September 23, 2015.
Pope Francis in Washington
 KEVIN LAMARQUE/REUTERS
Pope Francis dispenses incense while celebrating Mass at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for the canonization of Friar Junipero Serra in Washington, D.C., September 23, 2015.
Pope Francis in Washington
 VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
Pope Francis arrives at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. on September 23, 2015.
Cathedral of St. Matthew
 MARK WILSON/GETTY IMAGES
Pope Francis attends the Midday Prayer Service at the Cathedral of St. Matthew on September 23, 2015 in Washington, D.C.
Bishops listen to pope
 MARK WILSON/GETTY IMAGES
Bishops listen to Pope Francis speak during the Midday Prayer Service at the Cathedral of St. Matthew on September 23, 2015 in Washington, D.C.
The Pope will celebrate Mass on the grounds of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
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Pope Francis in Washington
 JONATHAN NEWTON-POOL/GETTY IMAGES
Pope Francis arrives for the Midday Prayer Service with more than 300 American bishops at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, D.C., September 23, 2015.
Cathedral of St. Matthew
 NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
Pope Francis arrives at a midday prayer with U.S. bishops at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, D.C. on September 23, 2015, during the second day of his six-day visit to the U.S.
Pope Francis in Washington
 MARK WILSON/GETTY IMAGES
Pope Francis stands at the alter of the Blessed Sacrament Chapel for a private prayer before participating in the Midday Prayer Service at the Cathedral of St. Matthew in Washington, D.C., September 23, 2015.
Cathedral of St. Matthew
 MARY F. CALVERT/REUTERS
Pope Francis holds a prayer meeting with the U.S. bishops at Saint Matthew's Cathedral in Washington, D.C., September 23, 2015.
Pope Francis in Washington
 BRIAN SNYDER/REUTERS
Sister Marie of Washington passes through security before Pope Francis celebrates the Canonization Mass for Friar Junipero Serra at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., September 23, 2015.
Pope Francis in Washington
 ALEX BRANDON/POOL/REUTERS
Pope Francis reaches for a child, Sophie Cruz, during a papal parade in Washington, D.C., September 23, 2015.
Cruz, 5, squeezed through security barriers to deliver a letter asking Francis to help all immigrant children and a t-shirt to the pope.
Pope Francis in Washington
 COURTESY CRUZ FAMILY
A picture Sophie Cruz, 5, drew of Pope Francis. The drawing reads, "My friends and I love each other without caring about the color of our skin."
Cruz, a child of undocumented immigrants, came to Washington, D.C. with her father to ask the pope to help immigrant children.
Pope Francis in Washington
 YURI GRIPAS/REUTERS
Protesters block a street outside Saint Matthew's Cathedral in Washington, D.C. during Pope Francis' prayer meeting with American bishops, September 23, 2015.
Pope Francis in Washington
 REUTERS
Pope Francis waves from the popemobile during a papal parade in Washington September 23, 2015. Pope Francis is making his first visit to the United States.
Pope Francis in Washington
 JAMES LAWLER DUGGAN/REUTERS
Pope Francis kisses a baby as he parades around the White House Ellipse in Washington, D.C., September 23, 2015.
Pope Francis in Washington
 JAMES LAWLER DUGGAN/REUTERS
Nancy Sheehy (L) and Mary Farrell (R) of Vienna, Virginia wait for Pope Francis in Washington, D.C., September 23, 2015.
Pope Francis in Washington
 GARY CAMERON/REUTERS
Pope Francis gives a thumbs up to the crowd as he rides down Constitution Avenue in his popemobile in Washington, D.C. on day two of his first visit to the U.S., September 23, 2015. Pope Francis met with U.S. President Obama earlier in the morning.
Pope Francis in Washington
 ASTRID RIECKEN/GETTY IMAGES
Spectators take photos of Pope Francis during a parade on the streets around the Ellipse, south of the White House, September 23, 2015 in Washington, D.C.
Thousands of people gathered near the Ellipse to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis after he addressed an audience of 15,000 invited guests on the South Lawn of the White House during an official arrival ceremony with President Barack Obama.
Pope Francis & President Obama
 MANDEL NGAN/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
President Barack Obama talks with Pope Francis during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., September 23, 2015.
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Pope Francis in Washington
 JONATHAN ERNST/REUTERS
Pope Francis looks towards President Barack Obama as he speaks during an arrival ceremony for the pope at the White House in Washington, D.C., September 23, 2015.
The pope began his remarks stating, "As the son of an immigrant family, I am happy to be a guest in this country, which was largely built by such families."
Pope Francis in Washington
 VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
Pope Francis speaks as President Barack Obama looks on at the White House on September 23, 2015 in Washington, D.C. The pope said in his speech, "Mr. President, I find it encouraging that you are proposing an initiative for reducing air pollution... Accepting the urgency, it seems clear to me also that climate change is a problem which can no longer be left to a future generation."
Pope Francis in Washington
 JONATHAN ERNST/REUTERS
President Barack Obama (R) listens as Pope Francis speaks during an arrival ceremony for the pope at the White House in Washington, D.C. on September 23, 2015. The pope invoked the memory of civil rights leader Martin Luther King in saying there was an obligation to improve the world for the millions of people overlooked by the system, "we can say that we have defaulted on a promissory note and now is the time to honor it."
Pope Francis in Washington
 JONATHAN ERNST/REUTERS
Children take pictures during an arrival ceremony for Pope Francis at the White House in Washington, D.C., September 23, 2015.
Pope Francis & President Obama
 JONATHAN ERNST/REUTERS
In shaking hands, President Barack Obama told Pope Francis, "For that great gift of hope, Holy Father, we thank you, and welcome you, with joy and gratitude, to the United States of America," at the White House in Washington, D.C. on September 23, 2015.
President Barack Obama
 JIM WATSON/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
President Barack Obama speaks alongside Pope Francis during an arrival ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, September 23, 2015.
In addressing the pope, President Obama said, "In your humility, your embrace of simplicity, the gentleness of your words and the generosity of your spirit, we see a living example of Jesus' teachings, a leader whose moral authority comes not just through words but also through deeds."
Pope Francis in Washington
 VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
President Barack Obama welcomes Pope Francis to the White House on September 23, 2015 in Washington, D.C.
Pope Francis in Washington
 KEVIN LAMARQUE/REUTERS
U.S. President Barack Obama (R) chats with Pope Francis as they watch from onstage as the "Old Guard" fife and drum corps marches past during an official welcome ceremony on the South Lawn at the White House in Washington, D.C., September 23, 2015.
Pope Francis & President Obama
 JONATHAN ERNST/REUTERS
U.S. President Barack Obama (L) and Pope Francis watch onstage as the "Old Guard" fife and drum corps marches past during an official welcome ceremony on the South Lawn at the White House in Washington, D.C., September 23, 2015.
Pope Francis in Washington
 JONATHAN ERNST/REUTERS
U.S. President Barack Obama stands with Pope Francis (L) as the pontiff is welcomed to the White House during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., September 23, 2015.
Pope Francis & President Obama
 JONATHAN ERNST/REUTERS
U.S. President Barack Obama (L) stands with Pope Francis during an arrival ceremony for the pontif at the White House in Washington, September 23, 2015.
Michelle Obama
 KEVIN LAMARQUE/REUTERS
First lady Michelle Obama stands with American bishops and members of President Barack Obama's cabinet during an arrival ceremony for Pope Francis at the White House in Washington, D.C., September 23, 2015.
Pope Francis in Washington
 VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
President Barack Obama welcomes Pope Francis to the White House in Washington, D.C., September 23, 2015.
Pope Francis in Washington
 WIN MCNAMEE/GETTY IMAGES
Pope Francis and U.S. President Barack Obama review the U.S. Army's Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps during the arrival ceremony at the White House on September 23, 2015 in Washington, DC. The Pope begins his first trip to the United States at the White House followed by a visit to St. Matthew's Cathedral, and will then hold a Mass on the grounds of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.
Pope Francis in Washington
 VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
People hold flags as they wait for the arrival of Pope Francis at the White House on September 23, 2015 in Washington, D.C.
Pope Francis in Washington
 MANDEL NGAN/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
President Barack Obama welcomes Pope Francis to the White House on September 23, 2015 in Washington, D.C.
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Pope Francis in Washington
 VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
President Barack Obama welcomes Pope Francis to the White House on September 23, 2015 in Washington, D.C.
John Kerry
 VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
Secretary of State John Kerry (R) greets clergy as Vice President Joe Biden (R) looks on before the arrival of Pope Francis at the White House on September 23, 2015 in Washington, D.C.
Pope Francis in Washington
 CLIFF OWEN/AP
A man kisses Pope Francis while he greets well-wishers outside the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican's diplomatic mission in Washington, Wednesday, September 23, 2015, prior to his departure to the White House where President Barack Obama will host a state arrival ceremony.
Pope Francis in Washington
 VINCENZO PINTO/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
People wait for the arrival of Pope Francis at the White House on September 23, 2015 in Washington, D.C.
Pope Francis in Washington
 ASTRID RIECKEN/GETTY IMAGES
Hundreds of spectators pass through a security check as early as 5 am along the parade route of pope Francis around the Ellipse, south of the White House, September 23, 2015 in Washington, DC. People are gathering near the Ellipse to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis, where he is due to be greeted by President Obama during an official arrival ceremony.
Pope Francis in Washington
 ASTRID RIECKEN/GETTY IMAGES
Spectators wait as early as 5 am along the parade route of pope Francis around the Ellipse, south of the White House, September 23, 2015 in Washington, DC. After visiting President Obama at the White House the Pope will step into his popemobile for the parade.
Pope Francis in America
 SAUL LOEB/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
Pope Francis waves from his car, a Fiat, upon arrival at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, September 22, 2015, on the start of a 3-day trip to Washington.
Pope Francis in America
 KEVIN LAMARQUE/REUTERS
A crowd of supporters cheer as they attend the arrival of Pope Francis at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington on September 22, 2015.
Pope Francis in America
 CHIP SOMODEVILLA/GETTY IMAGES
Pope Francis is escorted by U.S. President Barack Obama, first Lady Michelle Obama and their daughters after arriving from Cuba on September 22, 2015 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.
Francis will be visiting Washington, New York City and Philadelphia during his first trip to the United States as pope.
Pope Francis in America
 KEVIN LAMARQUE/REUTERS
Pope Francis (C) greets children upon his arrival at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington, September 22, 2015.
Pope Francis in Washington
 KEVIN LAMARQUE/REUTERS
U.S. President Barack Obama (R) and Pope Francis share a laugh as President Obama welcomed the Pontiff upon his arrival at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington on September 22, 2015.
Pope Francis in Washington
 CHIP SOMODEVILLA, GETTY IMAGES
Crowds greet Pope Francis after his arrival from Cuba September 22, 2015 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.
Pope Francis in America
 ANDREW HARNIK/AP
Clergy brace for the wind as they stand along the red carpet on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Tuesday, September 22, 2015, as the plane carrying Pope Francis arrives.
Pope Francis in Washington
 MANDEL NGAN/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
U.S. President Barack Obama (L) greets Pope Francis (R) upon his arrival September 22, 2015 at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.
Pope Francis in Washington
 CHIP SOMODEVILLA/GETTY IMAGES
Pope Francis shakes hands with Vice President Joe Biden along with U.S. President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, and other political and Catholic church leaders after arriving from Cuba September 22, 2015 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.
Francis will be visiting Washington, New York City and Philadelphia during his first trip to the United States as Pope.
Pope Francis in Washington
 KEVIN LAMARQUE/REUTERS
Pope Francis arrives for the first time in the United States at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, September 22, 2015.
Pope Francis in Washington
 CHIP SOMODEVILLA/GETTY IMAGES
Pope Francis arrives in Washington from Cuba September 22, 2015 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.
Francis will be visiting Washington, New York City and Philadelphia during his first trip to the United States as pope.
https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/pope-francis-visits-washington/69/ |
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Pope Francis delivered a speech too progressive for Obama to give
Sep 24, 2015, 4:20 PM GMT-3
Pope Francis waves to the crowd from the Speakers Balcony at the US Capitol, September 24, 2015, in Washington, DC. Pool/Getty Images
If President Barack Obama had delivered the text of Pope Francis’s speech to Congress Thursday as a State of the Union address, he would have risked being denounced by Republicans as a socialist.
While most Republicans chose not to complain, and Democrats tried not to gloat, Francis’s speech to Congress was stunning in the breadth, depth, and conviction of its progressivism. That might not have been fully and immediately appreciated by everyone in the House chamber because the combination of Francis’s sotto voce delivery and his heavily accented English made it difficult, lawmakers said, to grasp everything he was saying.
But there was no mistaking his thrust. He made detailed arguments for openness to immigrants, addressing the human roots of climate change, closing the gap between the rich and the poor, and ending the death penalty — all of which invigorated the Democrats in the room.
“It was pretty progressive. He had a little right-to-life stuff in it,” Rep. James Clyburn, the third-ranking House Democrat, said as he cracked a smile thinking about how Republicans would receive the speech. “That’s enough for them.”
The pope isn’t going to change many hearts and minds in the badly divided Congress, lawmakers said, but the moment provided a brief respite from political warfare. Several presidential candidates, including Sens. Bernie Sanders, Lindsey Graham, Marco Rubio, and Ted Cruz, as well as Ben Carson, attended.
Rubio, a Roman Catholic, said in a brief interview that Francis “struck the right tone.” Sanders, a self-described socialist, seemed to like the content even more.
“Pope Francis is clearly one of the important religious and moral leaders not only in the world today but in modern history,” he said in a statement released after the speech. “He forces us to address some of the major issues facing humanity: war, income and wealth inequality, poverty, unemployment, greed, the death penalty and other issues that too many prefer to ignore.”
Democrats were eager enough to present Congress as united that they joined a Republican-led standing ovation when Francis told lawmakers of “our responsibility to protect and defend human life at every state of its development.” Several of them said it was out of respect for the pope. But there was another good reason: It strengthened the perception that the whole speech — most of which they liked — carried unifying themes.
Unity was good for Democrats because the speech favored their policies
Francis was interrupted a few times by whoops from the Democratic side of the chamber — by Steve Cohen, a Jewish Memphis Democrat who got excited about Francis’s mention of the Golden Rule; by New York’s Nydia Velázquez when he called for an end to the death penalty; and by Philadelphia Rep. Chaka Fattah when he mentioned his upcoming visit to that city. The Republicans in the room were a bit more staid. Cruz often appeared unmoved during moments when Rubio, who was sitting nearby, applauded. That was the case when Francis asked whether the greater opportunities sought by past generations of immigrants are “not what we want for our own children?”
It was a home crowd. Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) had announced he would boycott the event over climate change, and there was a brief murmur when it became obvious that three conservative Catholic Supreme Court justices — Antonin Scalia, Samuel Alito, and Clarence Thomas — had not shown up. But it seemed that everyone in attendance just wanted to catch a glimpse of Francis and hear what he had to say.
Big-name guests filed into the public galleries above the House chamber long before the pope’s arrival: Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, former Rep. Gabby Giffords, mega-donor Tom Steyer, and Carson. House members filled the seats in their chamber, followed by the Senate and four Supreme Court justices. At about a minute past 10 am, Francis strode down the center aisle of the House chamber, clad in his familiar white robe and skullcap.
Lawmakers, who had been admonished not to touch the pope, refrained from trying to shake his hand or pat his back. There was no rush to crowd him the way members of Congress try to get into pictures with the president during the annual State of the Union address. When he got to the end of the aisle, he quietly shook hands with Secretary of State John Kerry and then made his way to the rostrum.
Samantha Power, the US ambassador to the UN, pulled out a baby blue iPhone and began snapping pictures. Though she later took to Twitter to commemorate the moment, Power hadn’t posted any of her photos by midday.
For his part, Francis warmed up the audience by describing America as “the land of the free and the home of the brave.” He was slow to move into more politically charged territory but unimpeded when he did. There were 10 standing ovations after his initial greeting, and they were bipartisan.
Francis tackled tough issues at the heart of the US political debate and gently admonished lawmakers to build bridges
At times, Francis seemed to be speaking directly into the headlines and newscasts of the day.
Less than a week after Carson said that America shouldn’t elect a Muslim president, Francis warned that “a delicate balance is required to combat violence perpetrated in the name of a religion, an ideology or an economic system, while also safeguarding religious freedom, intellectual freedom and individual freedoms.”
As Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump promises to build a wall between Mexico and the US, and to prevent Syrian refugees from being admitted to America, Francis compared the current refugee crisis to the one that arose in World War II and said that “we the people of this continent are not fearful of foreigners, because most of us were once foreigners.” That drew a standing ovation. Rubio, who has shifted his emphasis on immigration reform over time, leaped to his feet.
And while Democrats continue to bask in this summer’s Supreme Court decision protecting same-sex marriage, the pope said he was concerned that “fundamental relationships are being called into question, as is the very basis of marriage and the family.” The issue that caused the biggest stir before the speech — climate change — factored prominently in Francis’s remarks. He spoke of the human roots of global warming and said, “I am convinced we can make a difference.”
But perhaps the most unexpected run in the speech was an admonishment as gentle as it was clear: Politics is about building bridges, not destroying them. Francis never mentioned the international nuclear nonproliferation deal with Iran by name or the gridlock in American politics, but he seemed to be speak to both matters.
“When countries which have been at odds resume the path of dialogue — a dialogue which may have been interrupted for the most legitimate of reasons — new opportunities open up for all,” he said. “A good political leader is one who, with the interests of all in mind, seizes the moment in a spirit of openness and pragmatism. A good political leader always opts to initiate processes rather than possessing spaces.”
Pennsylvania Republican Rep. Joe Pitts, speaking about the pope’s limited remarks on abortion and same-sex marriage, said he was displeased that Francis had been “unfortunately politically correct.”
For liberals, though, he was simply correct about politics.
https://www.vox.com/2015/9/24/9393731/pope-francis-speech-progressive-obama
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