Phil Ammann
Here’s a compilation of responses to Pope Francis‘ speech to Congress on Thursday from Florida’s elected officials and politicians:
U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson:
“I hope the pope made a lasting impression on the members of Congress. He emphasized that we, as elected officials, are the face of the American people. As such, we need to get more things done for the common good and less polarization.”
U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio:
“Today’s speech was an inspiring moment, to be there and witness the pope’s speech before Congress. I was moved by the pope’s message and by the sight of him standing in front of the U.S. flag with the words ‘In God We Trust’ engraved in the wall behind him. The pope today, reminded us of the faith our nation has placed in God since its very founding, and why we should have a lot of faith in America’s future. At a time when so many of our people are gripped with uncertainty about the future, the pope reminded us that America has a special calling as a nation that is guided by high ideals and the moral aims to build a more perfect union and to make the world a better place. He reminded us that, whatever our policy differences might be, we are all called to put the good of our people above all.”
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U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor:
“I hope the pope’s call to action to address the challenges of the changing climate will resonate, especially in Congress and in the state of Florida. Pope Francis urged ‘a courageous and responsible effort to redirect our steps, and to avert the most serious effects of the environmental deterioration caused by human activity.’ He said that he is ‘convinced that we can make a difference’ and has ‘no doubt that the United States – and this Congress – have an important role to play.’ Now is the time for courageous actions and strategies, aimed at implementing a ‘culture of care’ and ‘an integrated approach to combating poverty, restoring dignity to the excluded, and at the same time protecting nature.'”
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U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo:
“Today’s papal address to the American people comes at a time when our nation faces many challenges. Through acts of kindness and devotion to the bettering of our community, we can heed Pope Francis’s call to make our country and the world a better place. Our government has a responsibility to its citizens to provide a system where everyone – especially the least fortunate – has an opportunity to succeed. By addressing such complex issues as poverty, climate change, immigration reform, and the sanctity of life, Pope Francis is challenging our nation and the world to leave a better community for generations to come.”
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U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel:
“Today, Congress and our nation heard from one of the world’s great humanitarians. The pope’s timely, compassionate message of helping the vulnerable, protecting our planet, and giving opportunities to our youth transcends politics and religion.”
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U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham:
“It was an incredible honor to welcome Pope Francis and Bishop Gregory Parkes to Washington. In his address to Congress, the pope recognized our unique American spirit by speaking of four great Americans who worked for liberty, equality, justice and cooperation. He challenged us to put our differences aside and rise to the challenges we face. I feel blessed by his visit, and hope Congress will heed his message to work together to help those we serve.”
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U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings:
“In Congress, partisanship has become far too common. We should use the opportunity of the pope’s historic visit to reaffirm our commitment to ending the cycle of extreme poverty, ending homelessness in America, preventing climate change, and protecting nature. We must also strive to keep our borders open to any who would come here in search of a better future.”
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U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney:
“As a Catholic and a Member of Congress, it was great to be able to witness the first pope to ever address a joint meeting of Congress. I feel blessed to have been able to share this experience with my family – with my wife Tara here today in the House Gallery and with my son Sean yesterday at the White House.
“Pope Francis’ message of love, cooperation and humility is much needed right now in the House of Representatives. He helps to remind us that living a life of service, whether it be for the Church or for the United States, is most rewarding. I am proud as ever to represent the great state of Florida here in Washington, D.C.”
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U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz:
“I was deeply moved by the message delivered by Pope Francis this morning to a Joint Meeting of Congress. His words focused on dialogue and the moral imperatives of shrinking poverty, compassion, embrace of immigrants through recognition of our common history as descendants of immigrants and the urgency of taking care of our air, the environment and nature. I was especially touched by his thought-provoking words when he said, ‘The yardstick we use for others, will be the yardstick which time will use for us.’ I couldn’t agree more.”
