Weekly Column: Pope Francis' Inspiring Message
Washington, D.C., recently hosted Pope Francis during his first visit to the United States. Not just Catholics, but citizens across the country have been preparing for his much-anticipated trip to our capital city. Tens of thousands flocked to the city to attend a special Mass, catch a glimpse of the pope-mobile or watch the pope’s address to Congress on the West Lawn of the Capitol. As lifelong members of the Catholic Church, it has been a truly special experience for Jean and me to participate in the week’s events. The pope’s message of optimism and compassion is one we can all relate to.
On Wednesday, we were invited to attend a special White House ceremony welcoming the pope. Later in the day, we attended a canonization Mass celebrated by Pope Francis at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Northeast Washington, D.C. On Thursday, we watched from the House of Representatives chamber as Pope Francis gave an impassioned, spiritual message to a Joint Session of Congress.
The pope’s message to us was one of hope and encouragement. It was not partisan or political. He reminded us that as members of Congress, our responsibility is to help our nation thrive and grow. As Congress continues to tackle pressing and important issues, I was energized by Pope Francis’ call for a “renewal of that spirit of cooperation, which has accomplished so much good throughout the history of the United States.” Despite the partisan politics that often makes headlines, our similarities are far greater than our differences. His message challenges all of us to reflect on how we can better serve one another.
The pope also reminded us of our responsibility to pursue the common good and to protect the most vulnerable among us—the very young, the very old, the sick and the poor.
Pope Francis has an ability to inspire and connect with people regardless of their politics or their faith. Many who came to Capitol Hill to watch his address on big-screen TVs were not Catholic, and some were not religious at all. But they all wanted to catch a glimpse of His Holiness. They wanted to hear his message of hope, optimism, compassion and love that resonates with all of us. I thank him for his encouraging words throughout his visit and for continuing to lead and inspire people throughout the globe. As the pope said to tens of thousands of onlookers who greeted him on the West Lawn of the Capitol, “God Bless America.”
