Pope Francis spoke to a joint session of Congress in Washington DC this morning, pleading with the U.S.’ elected leaders to put aside their differences to help solve the issues facing the world today. The leader of the Catholic Church outlined what he believes should be the aim of politics in society.
“You are called to defend and preserve the dignity of your fellow citizens in the tireless and demanding pursuit of the common good, for this is the chief aim of all politics,” the Pope told Congress. “A political society endures when it seeks, as a vocation, to satisfy common needs by stimulating the growth of all its members, especially those in situations of greater vulnerability or risk.”
Later, after quoting the famous opening line from the Declaration of Independence, the Pope stressed that politics can’t just be about economic policies. Even though it is difficult to deal with societal issues, Pope Francis urged Congress to think about that as well.
“If politics must truly be at the service of the human person, it follows that it cannot be a slave to the economy and finance,” Pope Francis said. “Politics is, instead, an expression of our compelling need to live as one, in order to build as one the greatest common good: that of a community which sacrifices particular interests in order to share, in justice and peace, its goods, its interests, its social life. I do not underestimate the difficulty that this involves, but I encourage you in this effort.”
The Pope delivered his speech slowly in English and brought up the names of American icons, including President Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr. He also, as the New York Times points out, shared thoughts on issues that would please both sides of the American political aisle.
On one hand, Pope Francis stressed his fears that the family is in danger. “Fundamental relationships are being called into question, as is the very basis of marriage and the family. I can only reiterate the importance and, above all, the richness and the beauty of family life,” he said.
The Pope also got applause from Republicans for his comments on abortion, notes CNN. “The Golden Rule also reminds us of our responsibility to protect and defend human life at every stage of its development,” the Pope said.
But elsewhere, he discussed the importance of welcoming immigrants, especially as he is from a family of immigrants himself. He also brought up climate change, urging the U.S. and Congress to take an important role in halting global warming.
“We, the people of this continent, are not fearful of foreigners, because most of us were once foreigners,” he told Congress. “I say this to you as the son of immigrants, knowing that so many of you are also descended from immigrants.”
Pope Francis was the first Pope to speak before a joint session of Congress. He is heading to Philadelphia next for the World Meeting of Families on Sunday.
You can read the entirety of the Pope’s speech at The Washington Post.
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