Pope’s key messages for US Congress

Representative Bill Flores, chairman of the Republican Study Committee, the largest conservative grouping in the House of Representatives, balked at Francis’ wading into politics, such as his call for better treatment of immigrants.

Pope Francis’s message was surprisingly direct on pushing against the congressional gridlock that has prevented positive reforms.

While discussing the stewardship of our “common home”, Pope Francis quoted Dr. Martin Luther King, saying, “We can say that we have defaulted on a promissory note and now is the time to honor it”.

WASHINGTON, DC – SEPTEMBER 24: Pope Francis addresses a joint…

Vice President Joe Biden and House Speaker John Boehner of Ohio…

Citing the Golden Rule, Francis addressed the equally partisan issues of refugees and immigration, exposing the hypocrisy of anti-immigrant rhetoric prevalent across some of the current presidential campaigns by noting that most Americans are from immigrant stock.

The Pope’s visit to Catholic Charities of Washington is inspiring those in North Texas.

“He’s not above us”.

But Francis’ only possible allusion to that issue was a passing mention of the need to “protect and defend human life at every stage of its development”.

Apparently, the pontiff is a fan of dogs as he met two of the most famous pets in the country – Bo and Sunny!

Some links will take you to other sites, in a new window. “I’m always touched by him”. In honoring their memory, we are inspired, even amid conflicts, and in the here and now of each day, to draw upon our deepest cultural reserves.

New York Senator Chuck Schumer told us he was really moved by the Pope’s speech.

The historic speech to lawmakers at the Capitol was keenly anticipated and warmly received – but will have been uncomfortable listening for some there who are skeptical about environmental causes and opposed to immigration.

“All of the modern popes haves called for the abolishment of the death penalty, so John Paul II and Benedict XVI have both said that there is no place for it in modern society”. “This presents us with great challenges and many hard decisions”.

Guillory said a marriage is between a man and a woman, but “we should not make judgments – gay or straight – when anyone is trying to become more wholesome”.