People across Oregon woke up early Thursday morning to listen to Pope Francis’ historic address to the U.S. Congress.
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“We have the freedom needed to limit and direct technology to devise intelligent ways of… developing and limiting our power; and to put technology at the service of another type of progress, one which is healthier, more human, more social, more integral”. Many other political leaders were visibly moved by the mere first-ever presence of a pope in the chamber.
The full text of the pope’s address is available here.
Political differences arise from varied interpretations of the common good and how best to achieve it. But the way to reach democratic consensus on a course of action is through dialogue – “a conversation which includes everyone”, in Francis’ words.
“It definitely feels like a new time in the Roman Catholic Church and just the religious world in general”, Clemens remarked. “We must not be taken aback by their numbers, but rather view them as persons”, he said.
Representative Bill Flores, chairman of the Republican Study Committee, the largest conservative grouping in the House of Representatives, balked at Francis’ wading into politics, such as his call for better treatment of immigrants.
The US should not “imperil the companies within our country” by imposing environmental restrictions that would “imperil jobs… actually the middle class, and actually the lower classes are going to be the people with no money”, he said. Francis framed his point by reflecting on four Americans – Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton.
“He came out of the chute with that”, Tester said. “That’s what it’s about in this county, wanting to live the American Dream”. Compare that to the pope’s blessing of Sophie Cruz yesterday, a 5-year-old girl who asked the pope to help keep her immigrant parents in the US.
“He reminded us that as a nation we are an accepting, forgiving and inclusive people and that we are powered and strengthened by our diversity”.
“Mr. President, I find it encouraging that you are proposing an initiative for reducing air pollution”. The pope called for support in fighting climate change, a more equitable economy, and an end to the death penalty.
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Tester lauded Francis for his willingness to tackle issues others have shied away from. “That’s an influence he ought to have on everyone”.
