Papal Visit Day 3 – Pontifex Maximus

Today’s events, I think, showed the American people who Pope Francis really is.  First up was his address to a Joint Session of Congress.  Announced by House Majority Leader Boehner as “Pope Francis of the Holy See,” the Holy Father was introduced as a statesman, but his dual roles as Head of State of the Holy See and Chief Shepherd of the Roman Catholic Church can never be separated.  His address to Congress proved that. 

Personally, I think the Pope’s speech was brilliant – rhetorically adept, substantively courageous and pastorally sensitive.  Pope Francis invoked our historical memory and four great American icons – Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr., Dorothy Day and Thomas Merton – to enter into personal dialogue with the American people.  The Pope didn’t shy away from tough issues.  He spoke of climate change, immigration, ideological extremism, poverty and the defense of human life at all stages.  He didn’t judge or scold.  In his characteristically gentle way, Pope Francis acknowledged differences of opinion on these challenging issues and offered himself as a bridge builder.  He reminded us of our greatness as “One Nation under God,” and encouraged us to always move forward as a world leader in the areas of freedom, civil liberty, social justice and openness to God.

 

          Following his address to Congress, Pope Francis moved from the halls of power to the table of the poor.  He toured Catholic Charities facilities at St. Patrick Church in downtown Washington and had lunch with the homeless at St. Patrick’s soup kitchen.  He bridged the divide between the mighty and the lowly with grace.  Today, I think, the people of the United States learned who Pope Francis really is.  He’s not a politician, he’s not a fundamentalist; he’s not a communist.  He’s Pontifex Maximus – the greatest bridge builder.