Reading some of the posts here which express disappointment in the Holy Father’s speech or in it being “washy washy”, while not at all surprising to me to read such commentary here, does nevertheless suggest to me that sadly some may have missed out on this tremendous opportunity we Americans had to hear what this man had to say. This very religious and spiritual man, a man of very good will, who just also happens to lead the Catholic Church on earth.
As I listened to his every word, I heard the whole Catholic faith. He touched on life and the family. But in what it seems to me he clearly has wanted his fellow faithful Catholics to do since early on in his Papacy, he joined those of us not faithful in expanding the dialogue beyond a couple of issues. Beyond focusing to such an extent on merely abortion and marriage to…
Immigrants including those who come north to our borders for a better life. Do not fear the foreigner. Most of us are desendents of foreigners. Do not be taken aback by their numbers. But see their faces. Hear their stories.
His citation of the Golden Rule and the yardstick in which we measure shall we too be measured.
And clearly this Pope, the vicar of Christ on earth according to Catholic belief, believes the death penalty should be abolished. Despite CCC leaving the door open for its use in rare cases, there clearly is no ambiguity as to where this Pope believes Catholics and the world should stand on it.
I took note of his words about politics and legislative activity is always based on care for the people.
His words about people paying taxes and sustaining society.
And of his words that it goes without saying that part of our great effort to give people hope is the creation and the distribution of wealth for the common good.
On climate change his recognition of its human roots and his words “I am convinced that we can make a difference… I am sure.” I heard afterwards that his words 'I am sure" were added by him off text.
The Americans who he referenced as 4 representatives of our nation I thought said a lot…
Lincoln
Martin Luther King Jr
Dorothy Day. A woman some without a Catholic background may not have before heard of. But an inspiring figure on the Catholic left, founder of the Catholic Worker movement and such a staunch advocate for social justice.
And finally Thomas Merton. Actually the one I personally did not know of. But the Pope explained he was “a man of dialogue, a promoter of peace between peoples and religions.”
Chris Matthews, a Catholic and well known cable TV commentator said afterwards that he could think of no one in that chamber who would agree with the speech in its entirety with the exception perhaps of Bob Casey. But what an amazing speech it was to hear.
And finally one of my other favorite moments was outside afterwards when the Holy Father asked for prayers of the masses and said, “If there are any of you that do not believe or cannot pray, I want you to send good wishes my way.”
As a progressive believer, I indeed do pray. But good wishes as well, Pope Francis!
