Pope Francis begins visit to US with call for environmental action

Pope Francis spoke about tolerance and inclusiveness before also speaking to humanity’s responsibility to care for our “common home”. In his first remarks on USA soil, that’s exactly what Pope Francis did.

He added: “Climate change is a problem which can no longer be left to a future generation”.

If there was any doubt that climate change was going to be on top of Pope Francis’s list during his visit to the us, it dissipated on Wednesday morning. “I think it’s exciting he does take the time to come visit us”.

“Under the two previous popes, there was a kind of admission ticket to the church”, said Susan Ross, chair of Loyola’s Theology Department.

U.S. President Barack Obama (L) stands with Pope Francis during an arrival ceremony for the pope at the White House in Washington September 23, 2015.

Here in the United States, however-while we are certainly not threatened with the lethal violence that terrorizes Christians in other parts of the world-the Obama administration has itself been on the attack against religious liberty.

The pontiff warned a crowd of more than 11,000 people who gathered to hear him at the White House that the world is at a “critical moment of history” and that immediate action is needed to clean up the planet.

Millions are expected to turn out as the Catholic leader visits three cities across the States.

“Right above there you can see a picture of Pope John Paul II giving my mother an embrace, which is an example of how important the pope can be to various people”.

While some have praised – or condemned – Francis’ message as a radical change for the church, Phyllis Johnson, 55, of Alexandria, Virginia, said she believes the pope is returning Catholics to their roots.

Afterward, the pope was scheduled to lead U.S. bishops in prayer at the St. Matthews Cathedral. “We thank you for your passionate voice against the deadly conflicts that ravage the lives of so many men, women and children, and your call for nations to resist the sirens of war and resolve disputes through diplomacy”.

Stirring words-that ring rather hollow when we reflect that Obama is the most pro-abortion president in American history. DiLorenzo says that’s why this trip is so important- Catholics need to get to know the Pope and he wants to know and understand people in Catholic communities.