Pope Francis, a very political pope, will use his powers to address a joint session of the U.S. Congress, a political body, for the first time in history. Democrats love his teachings on climate change, social justice, and immigration, while Republicans resonate with the pope on life and abortion.
“I’ve been waiting for this pope all my life,” said liberal Massachusetts Democrat Jim McGovern, 57. “I find him inspirational and I know a lot of other people do, not just Catholics.”
Francis will probably send his usual message about unchecked capitalism to the lawmakers. “Whether it’s climate change or hunger or taking care of the poor, the Pope’s message is really the embodiment of what Catholic social teaching has been about, historically,” said Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn.
Congress and its agenda are controlled by John Boehner, a Jesuit-trained Roman Catholic Republican from Ohio. Vice President Joe Biden, also a Roman Catholic, will join him on the dais. Nancy Pelosi, the leader of the House Democrats, will also occupy a prominent seat.
A top Vatican advisor said last April that the pope will speak “frankly but friendly” during his US trip.
Pope Francis will likely warn about climate change, challenging a Congress, which is presently populated by Republican skeptics. “The one who receives advice commits less errors and is not mistaken,” said a Latin American Cardinal. “The one who does not like to listen to advice will have a lot of trouble. So I think the Congress will receive very well the advice (of the pope) — even if there are some things that will not be comfortable.”
Francis is very comfortable getting into politics in a rapidly changing world. “He’s a very different pope. He’s defined himself in a very different way,” said Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., and another Catholic. “He’s talking about outcomes. We’ve got to work on means.”
But the recent papal encyclical also reiterated the Church’s longtime teachings on abortion.
“The teachings of the Catholic Church don’t fit neatly into either the Democratic or the Republican Party,” said Rep. Dan Lipinski, D-Ill. “And I think that leads oftentimes to a fight on both sides over… who is going to turn that to their political advantage. I hope that we won’t see that.”
The pope’s message will appeal to both sides and will strengthen papal influence while weakening opposition.
“All the World Wondered…” Revelation 13:3
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