"Mr Speaker… The Pope of the Holy See."
Pope Francis walked into the House Chamber, and into the history books, in what looked very much like a State of the Union entrance, though the pope’s topic was the state of the world.
Appropriately, the single hand he shook on the floor was Secretary of State John Kerry’s, a negotiating partner on Cuba.
He began by referring to the United States with words that come from our National Anthem:
"…in the land of the free and the home of the brave," said the pope.
Addressing what he called "every form of polarization" in the "contemporary world" he could have been speaking directly to every Republican and Democrat in Washington:
"We must move forward together, as one, in a renewed spirit of fraternity and solidarity," said Pope Francis.
Then he took on the immigration issue.
"We must not be taken aback by their numbers, but rather view them as persons."
Perhaps his strongest and most surprising words were aimed at arms dealers:
"Why are deadly weapons being sold…? Sadly, the answer, as we all know, is simply for money: Money that is drenched in blood."
In closing, the pope praised our nation’s cultural heritage.
"It is my desire that…as many young people as possible can inherit and dwell in a land that has inspired so many people to dream. God bless America!"
If you heard the pope, I think you were inspired.
Put together all his messages, and they come out as love.
Even if you don’t agree with all his ideas, you must respect his spirit.
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