U.S. Rep Gregory W. Meeks Statement on Pope Francis’ Address to Congress

U.S. Rep Gregory W. Meeks Statement on Pope Francis’ Address to Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Gregory W. Meeks released the following statement after Pope Francis’ historic address to the Joint Meeting of Congress:

“I was honored to receive Pope Francis’ message in his historic address to Congress this morning. His Holiness encouraged Congress and our nation to forthrightly and compassionately address the challenges we face, and to prioritize the needs of children and the neediest. I was deeply moved by the Pope’s reminder that we are all connected and have a shared responsibility to care for our planet, and to follow the Golden Rule, to do unto others as we would have done unto us.

In his timely message, the Pope urged us to remember that most of us were ourselves foreigners or the descendants of foreigners aspiring to the American dream; a point he implored us to consider as we address poverty, immigration, and conflict not just in America but throughout the Americas and the world. I was heartened by his words about the importance of dialogue so that shared understanding and mutual trust can lead the world away from conflict.

The message of his Holiness was one of unity and the kind of service that is dedicated to protecting society’s most vulnerable. In that regard, Pope Francis reflected upon the richness and depth of our leaders and history by highlighting the vision and sacrifices of four Americans, President Abraham Lincoln, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Dorothy Day, and Thomas Merton.

Today, Pope Francis asked Congress to cast aside extremism whether it be religious, political, or ideological. His Holiness’ message was of hope that we can meet the complex challenges we face with compassion and commitment for all God’s children. It is my fervent prayer that my colleagues received this message with open hearts and minds as we look to act in the best interest of our nation and the global community.”