I wish Pope Francis had time to meet the real America instead of spending all his time with politicos. I wrote about that longing for Catholic Vote, listing 5 things I wish Pope Francis knew about us. Here’s part of what I said: I wish Pope Francis could see Oklahoma … and Colorado … and Big Bend. I wish he had time to take a road trip along the long stretches of lonely road that crisscross this country. I wish... Read more
This is the full text of the Holy Father’s address to the Joint Session of Congress this morning. It’s from Vatican Radio. Mr. Vice-President, Mr. Speaker, Honorable Members of Congress, Dear Friends, I am most grateful for your invitation to address this Joint Session of Congress in “the land of the free and the home of the brave”. I would like to think that the reason for this is that I too am a son of this great... Read more
Pope Francis is now in the holding room with the Speaker of the House, waiting to go into the chamber. I have no doubt that he’s a bit surprised by how small the facility really is. It looks bigger on television. When you chit chat with the Pope, what do you say? It appears that Speaker Boehner is talking about his tie. It’s tough at any time, making small talk. The press has been sent away now and the Speaker... Read more
It seems that the leadership of the United States Congress is concerned that their members will make fools of themselves when the pope comes to call. Pope Francis is scheduled to address a joint session of Congress, and those who know them best are worried that members of the House and Senate will grab the pope, try to take selfies and engage in partisan grandstanding. Now, why would anyone thing our elected officials would behave that way???? I wrote about it for... Read more
Pope Francis delivered a stirring homily to the American bishops this morning. I bolded the paragraphs in which he talks about abortion and marriage because I know they are a great concern for all of us at this point in our country’s history. You are read the entire homily at the National Catholic Register. In the meantime, here are a few highlights: … The heart of the Pope expands to include everyone. To testify to the immensity of God’s love... Read more
I flipped away from EWTN because EWTN’s coverage got too bogged down in politics. I’m now watching — get ready for this — MSNBC. I’m surprised that this is true, but MSNBC’s coverage — at least what I’ve seen of it — is respectful and non-political. Their commenters repeated several times that Pope Francis has not and will not change Church doctrine. They sounded appropriately giddy when he did his popemobile thing (which I thought was too short.) You might give... Read more
Pope Francis preached an extraordinary extemporaneous sermon in answer to a question in Cuba. It was on the consecrated life and holy orders and how these people are called by God to make a gift of themselves to others, to be the mercy of God to the least of these. I think that what the Holy Father said speaks also of those whom God has given the gift of caregiving and child-rearing. Both of these are thankless and disrespected work in... Read more
President Obama has greeted Pope Francis and the two leaders have each made their opening statements. Our president was handsome, the first lady was strikingly lovely. Pope Francis, in contrast, simply radiated the love of Christ. Pope Francis struggled through his remarks in English, even though the language is obviously difficult for him. I think this is a gracious touch, a way of reaching out to the American people. Pope Francis opened his remarks — which were not a full-blown... Read more
I don’t want to go negative here, but are you watching the Pope at the White House? Who wrote that soppy-sounding national anthem for the Holy See? Read more
The United States Senate voted yesterday on the whether or not to limit debate on the 20-week abortion ban. This was not a vote on the bill, per se. It was a vote on cloture. Cloture would end the possibility of a filibuster. Without cloture the bill cannot pass. It takes 60 votes to get cloture. The vote on cloture failed, 54 by 42, with 4 senators not voting. Democrats Casey (PA), Donnelly (IN) and Manchin (WV) voted for cloture... Read more
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