For the first time since being chosen as the 266th pope of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis of Buenos Aires, Argentina paid a visit to the U.S. Congress this past Thursday to challenge America to heal the world’s “open wounds.”
Throughout the speech, the Pope used seductive language that appealed to American nationalism, prompting Congress to frequently erupt in applause.
Despite the pope’s pro-liberty enthusiasm, he unveiled his own opinion on controversial American problems, such as the death penalty and cultural violence. Conservative congressmen and women struggled to continue their applause as the Pope challenged some of their most firmly held beliefs.
He began the address by talking about how he felt as though he was there because he feels that he too is a son of this country since he, along with everyone else, has received so much from this country—hence, they all share one common responsibility.
Congress
“Your own responsibility as members of Congress is to enable this country, by your legislative activity, to grow as a nation. You are the face of its people, their representatives.”
Pope Francis emphasizes the fact that growth and improvement are to be permanent and constant goals for the US government. Since democracy is so deeply rooted in the minds and hearts of Americans, the Pope asks for a push to help promote dignity, defend it, and to think about the consequences that their economic gains bring.
Violence
“Our world is increasingly a place of violent conflict, hatred and brutal atrocities, committed even in the name of God and of religion. We know that no religion is immune from forms of individual delusion or ideological extremism. This means that we must be especially attentive to every type of fundamentalism, whether religious or of any other kind.”
Currently, our world and society find itself amidst an abundance of violence to which we have to find a way to which to respond. Ultimately, Pope Francis mentions that the common response should shift to one of awareness, respect, and courage.
“We know that in the attempt to be freed of the enemy without, we can be tempted to feed the enemy within. To imitate the hatred and violence of tyrants and murderers is the best way to take their place. That is something, which you, as a people, reject.”
The overall goal of war and armed warfare should be to, in the end, get rid of it overall. This kind of progress, which the United States has failed to implement in its defense strategies, can help put the world at its full potential.
Refugee Crisis
“Our world is facing a refugee crisis of a magnitude not seen since the Second World War. This presents us with great challenges and many hard decisions. On this continent, too, thousands of persons are led to travel north in search of a better life for themselves and for their loved ones, in search of greater opportunities. Is this not what we want for our own children?”
As European countries start to recover from the current refugee crisis, we must all make sacrifices and open our hearts as well as our worlds to those moving up north. He alludes to the American dream and how, in this scenario, it is possible for us all to grant people the opportunity to have that. All in all, we are advised to follow the Golden Rule and to give people the support that we would want if we were in their shoes.
Poverty
“I know that you share my conviction that much more still needs to be done, and that in times of crisis and economic hardship a spirit of global solidarity must not be lost. At the same time I would encourage you to keep in mind all those people around us who are trapped in a cycle of poverty. They too need to be given hope. The fight against poverty and hunger must be fought constantly and on many fronts, especially in its causes.”
Pope Francis talks about how we need to grow and distribute our resources in order to help this crisis that we are in, both in terms of the environment and monetary funds. Our resolutions to poverty and such crises should aim to be modern, inclusive, and sustainable. Furthermore, we need to implement a culture of holistic care.