Sen. Grassley reflects on Pope Francis’s DC visit

“Despite Pope Francis’ progressive stance on climate change and economic equity, he has taken a back seat when it comes to reproductive health and women’s rights”, said Alexander Sanger, board member of the worldwide Planned Parenthood Federation for the Western Hemisphere Region, in a statement Friday.

He also on Wednesday made an unscheduled stop to a convent of nuns to show his support for their lawsuit against President Barack Obama’s health care law.

Vice President Joe Biden (left) and Speaker of the House John Boehner shake hands prior to Pope Francis speech to Congress on Thursday. Here is the full text of his remarks, as prepared for delivery.

It is a message as old as Christianity: That we must open our minds to those who are different, and we must open our hearts to those who make us uncomfortable.

“Pope Francis is a great man of peace and humility”.

About 60 people watched the pope’s speech on a projection screen inside a building next to Old St. Patrick’s Church.

His holiness spoke about political and social issues, including immigration, the Syrian refugee crisis, environmental concerns, poverty, eroding family structures, terrorism and the death penalty.

Many conservatives in the US Senate and House of Representatives deny that climate change is a result of mankind’s industry and agriculture, and have opposed emissions controls created to slow global warming.

“I came to see him because I love him so much and I wanted to be where he is”, a tourist said.

“I believe the death penalty is a recognition of the preciousness of human life, that for the most egregious crimes, the ultimate punishment should apply”.

At the Capitol event, which people were allowed to attend only at the express invitation of a lawmaker, there were many who did not count themselves among the religious faithful but they said they admired Pope Francis at an worldwide leader.

Above all, Pope Francis in the USA has challenged his audiences to think, and to cast aside ideological divisions in favour of unity and mercy – to reflect on how to help the poor and those without.

Let us remember the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Mt 7:12)…