It is not often that the American people have a chance to see the Pope in person and up close but Pope Francis gave America and its people that opportunity four days last week and the people turned out and responded with great appreciation, enthusiasm and admiration. Pope Francis was energetic, at ease and made sure his visit would include meeting with the disadvantage, the poor and even those in prison.
There was much speculation about what the Pope would talk about, especially when he addressed congress. Would it be about the issues that divide the people such as abortion, same sex marriage, sexual orientation, religious freedom or religion itself. Would it be just a religious speech for all to understand? Pope Francis surely thought about all those things before hand and before his speech was written because the issues he discussed were not religious or political in nature, nor was it divisive.
The Pope spoke about the issues that occupy the present time but in a way that could be understood by all without putting those issues in a political, religious or divisive content. In fact he never used divisive words instead said we must, take care of the earth, our fellow man, even those with different views and immigrants. The Pope also said excluding people not like us is wrong and alluded to the fact that people in positions of authority have to lead the way for needed change. Pope Francis also spoke about the abuses within the Catholic Church.
Congress responded in a positive way to the Pope's message but will it change things for the better or will congress just forget since the Pope has departed. Will the division continue by those in congress whose ideology will not allow them to change. Time will provide the answer to that question soon enough.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
