WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement after Pope Francis delivered the first ever address by a Pope to a joint meeting of Congress.
“Pope Francis’ address to Congress today was at once inspiring and deeply challenging as he called on us to reflect on our values and founding principles as a country and our role in solving problems ranging from poverty and the plight of refugees to climate change and criminal justice,” said Senator Coons. “Pope Francis has brought the world’s attention back to many of the challenges we face as a country and as a planet that are often easier to ignore or set aside. Too often in Congress, these discussions are bogged down by partisan politics, but today the Pope addressed us not as Republicans or Democrats, but as human beings and public servants who live in the wealthiest and most powerful country on Earth and have a responsibility for making this world a better place.
“I hope that my colleagues in Congress and all Americans will take the Pope’s messages of reconciliation and commitment to the least among us to heart. His words and his historic visit to our country should serve as a reminder of the great responsibility that comes with the blessings we enjoy as Americans.”