VATICAN CORNER
On Wed. afternoon Sept. 22, 2015, Pope Francis flew from Cuba to Washington D.C., beginning his 3 city visit of the U.S. He rode in a small Fiat 500L from the air base into town and to the White House the next morning where he was welcomed by President Obama and his family. The car had the license plate SCV1 denoting the first vehicle of Vatican City and was dwarfed by the surrounding big black secret service S.U.V.s. Before saying any words in public, Pope Francis has already delivered a message about oil consumption, limiting carbon emissions, and living modestly. Pope Francis often uses symbolism and gestures to convey his intentions in way that his words could not. He shared a midday prayer with U.S. bishops and made a surprise stop to show support for the Little Sisters of the Poor, who run homes for senior citizens, and who are suing the Obama administration for requiring (under the Affordable Health Care Act of 2010) employers to cover the cost of birth control. He spoke to each of the nuns individually and then to all about the importance of their ministry to the elderly. The Director said “We were deeply moved by his encouraging words.” At the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Pope Francis canonized the Spanish missionary Junipero Serra, the first saint to be canonized on US. Soil. It was a moment of deep pride for Latinos, but a source of controversy for many Native Americans. On Thursday Pope Francis spoke to a joint session of Congress where he received an exuberant reception. He called for the protection of life at all stages, linking abortion and disregard for life as a violation of the Golden Rule taught in Scripture. Pope Francis called for abolition of the death penalty, better care for the environment, and for protection and flourishing for families. “How essential the family has been to the building of this country! And how worthy it remains of our support and encouragement! Yet I cannot hide my concern for the family, which is threatened, perhaps as never before, from within and without.” In D.C. Pope Francis visited St. Patrick’s Church and Catholic Charities, then flew to New York City for an evening prayer at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. To be continued…
Sources: Popefrancisvisit.com, newyorker.com, NBCnews.com, CNN.com, ChristianPost.com