“Freedom…remains one of America’s most precious possessions,” Pope Francis said. Francis was indicating that the American people should take pride in what they have. Francis stated such information at his first address at the White House, given on the lawn of the capitol building.
Being a religious leader, Francis made sure to touch upon the praise of religious freedoms within the United States.
Francis believes that American Catholics are the safeguards of the nation. He believes Catholics will lead others to find their true religious beliefs. “…[the Catholic people will help in] rejecting every form every form of unjust discrimination.”
Francis had been asked about his views on climate change as he addressed the people on the White House lawn.
He believes that climate change is an issue that should no longer be left up to “a future generation.”
Francis quoted Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. when he mentioned a need for change. He believes that change comes from a community as a whole, not just from an individual. “We have defaulted on a promissory note and now is the time to honor it.”
Sept. 25, Francis addressed the United Nations General Assembly. He was found praying at the National September 11 Memorial site.
The Pope has used his United States visit as a window of opportunity to dive into U.S. politics.
Francis came to the United States with the ambitions to hear and learn about the dreams of the American people.
The Pope will be in the United States for a six-day tour. He will be seen in Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families, a large Catholic event which is expected to catch the interest of millions.